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THE DEVIL 



3> 




Olga and Dr. Miller {The Devil) 



THE DEVIL 



by FERENC MOLNAR 

adapted by 
OLIVER HERFORD 

by exclusive arrangement with 
the author 




NEW YORK 
MITCHELL KENNERLEY 



— 



Copyright, igo8 
by Henry W. Savage 



All rights reserved 



m ot CONFESS' 

i* iwu OOD'es r. 



ICLA3 



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OPT tfj 



^ 



As originally produced by 

HENRY W. SAVAGE 

at Hartford, July 6th, 1908 

Staged by Robert Milton, with the assistance of 

Julius Herzka, Director-General of the 

Folks-Theatre, Vienna 



Cast of Characters 
in order of appearance 

Karl Mahler, an artist Paul McAllister 

Heinrich, his valet W. Chrystie Miller 

Mimi, his model Marion Lome 

Olga Hofmann, the banker's wife Dorothy Dorr 

Herman Hofmann, a banker Frank Monroe 

The Devil (calling himself Dr. Miller) . . Edwin Stevens 

Elsa Berg, an heiress Marguerite Snow 

Madame Zanden. . .1 f Nan Lewald 

Madame Reineke. . . Jane Murray 

Madame Schleswig. I , Quests at TheodosiadeCappet 

Madame Lassen.. . . f the Hof maims \ Tina Marshall 

ball. 



Herr Grosser. 
Herr Besser. . 



.John McKee 
.Arthur Hoyt 



Man Servant Franklin Bixby 



Synopsis of Scenes 

Act I. — Karl Mahler's Studio, Vienna. (Afternoon.) 
Act II. — Conservatory Reception Room at the Hof- 
rnanns'. (Evening.) 

Act III. — At Karl's Studio. (The next morning.) 



STAGE DIRECTIONS 

Up. away from audience 

Down, toward audience 

Up C. centre of stage, away from audience 

R. right of stage 

L. left of stage 

C. centre of stage 

R. C. to right of centre 

L. C. to left of centre 



THE DEVIL 



ACT I 

S c e n e. — Room next to k a e l, ' s studio. At 
the bach of the stage to the L. is a glass door 
with portiere towards the stage. When this door 
is opened one can see the studio. Back of the 
stage to the R. a fireplace with burning fire. 
Round the fireplace an elevation about half a yard 
high reaching into the middle of the room. This 
elevation is bordered by a wooden railing with 
an opening on each side — in the middle of the 
railing an ancient Gothic chair, with back towards 
the public; the back of the chair must be so high 
that a person sitting in it cannot be seen by the 
public. On the R. a door leading into the entrance 
hall of the apartment. There is a little invisible 
door covered as the rest of the room, with wall 
paper, on the L. near the footlights. About a 
yard from this door, a settee with the head end 
towards the glass door of the studio. Next to 
this settee a small, ancient table, about one yard 
high. On the L. a curio cabinet (small); next to 
it a hall stand with some shawls of different colors. 

[7] 



THE DEVIL 

On L. next the settee a large, gilded, stand-up 
candelabra, as used in churches. 

There are many sketches, framed and unframed, 
about the room — some statues, some heads, busts 
and a very elegant electric candelabra hanging 
in the middle of the room. The whole thing un- 
harmonious but artistic. Down stage on the R. 
a medium-sized table littered with books, maga- 
zines and bric-a-brac ; a large palette lies on the 
top of some books and scattered among the other 
things some tubes of paint and paint brushes. 

( When the Curtain rises the stage is empty 
for a few minutes.) 
karl, comes in with hat and overcoat which he 
takes off 

Heinrich ! Heinrich ! 

[heinbich, coming from studio. 

KARL 

Where were you? 

HEINRICH 

Nowhere, sir. 

KARL 

The door is wide open; anybody could have 
walked in. 

[8] 



THE DEVIL 

[heineich goes into the studio and 

comes out with a velvet house-jacket. 

Calling after him: 
Where's today's paper? 

[He finds the newspaper. 
Well, hurry up. 

[heinrich comes bach and helps kael 

put on his jacket. 

karl, lights a cigarette 
Did you take my dress suit to be pressed? 

HEINRICH 

Yes, sir: he will bring it back in an hour. 
[Starts R. 

KARL 

Good ! Here's a crown. Get me a white tie, same 
as the last one. 

[heineich starts R. 

Hold on! Put out a dress shirt on the bed, then 
look for my pearl buttons — they are probably 
in the top drawer — in a match-box. Stop ! 
Give me that crown. Take this. 
[Gives him a bill. 

Get me a pair of white gloves, seven and a half. 
Oh! and Heinrich, before you go, put the 
Venetian chair next to the window. At three 
o'clock Mrs. £anden will be here to have her 

[9] 



THE DEVIL 

portrait painted, and I shall be at home to 
nobody. 

[Reclines on the settee. 
Give me an ash tray. 

[heinrich gives it to him. 
All right; go along. 

HEINRICH 

Beg your pardon, sir — 

karl, seated on couch L. 
What is it? 

HEINRICH 

Mimi is here. 

KARL 

[Where ? 

HEINRICH 

Waiting in the studio. 

karl, indifferent, reading newspaper 
Send her away. 

heinrich, goes to the glass door 

Fraulein, Herr Marler does not need you today. 

[Exit L. 

mimi, coming in 
Hallo. 

[karl is silent, continues reading his 

paper. 

[mimi comes down L. 
Don't you want to work today? 

[io]" 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

No. 

[Continues reading paper. 
[heineich goes into the studio. 

mi mi, in bad humor, crosses to C. 
Good-bye. 

[Turns around. 
And tomorrow? 

KARL 

No. 

mimi, sad 

Good-bye. {Wipes her eyes.) You don't love 
me any more. . . you don't love me any more. 

KARL 

Oh ! It's going to start again ! 

mimi 
Ever since last fall you've been different. I knew 
it right away when you started to paint land- 
scapes. When you are in love you paint 
Venuses. I know what it means when you start 
to paint trees. 

KARL 

You're silly, Mimi. 

mimi 
I know it. With her hat and coat on every model 
is silly. 

[ii] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

Go home, Mimi. 

mimi, goes to head of couch 

Yes, yes. Go home! Be a good girl. For a 
week now you've sent me home without my even 
taking my gloves off. I'm no use any more. 
[Begins to cry but stops it at once. 

Look here: I know everything. 

KARL 

Really? 

MIMI 

[From behind him, raises his head. 
Look at me ! Look at me ! You want to get mar- 
ried? Tell me No — you don't dare. 

KARL 

No. 

mimi, comes to L. of him 

Oh, you tell me anything you want to my face; 
but I know you're going to marry a girl named 
Elsa — the wife of your friend Mr. Zanden has 
arranged everything — look at me and deny it, 
if you dare. After all, what's the use! you 
wouldn't tell me the truth anyway. 

KARL 

You little mind-reader. 

[12] 



THE DEVIL 

MIMI 

She's a nice one, Mrs. Zanden ! Instead of taking 
you on herself, she marries you to a friend of 
hers. But I don't care ; you don't love me any 
more — doing landscapes all the time. 

KARL 

Well, what do you want? 

mimi, crosses to R. of him and kneels 
Tell me you Jo love me. (Pouting.) 

karl, bored 
Yes, yes — of course. 

mimi, imitating him 
Yes, yes, of course. Is that the best you can do? 

KARL 

Well, what shall I say? 

mimi 
Oh ! You painters ! It's always the same. First 
you say : "What an angel ! What a Madonna ! 
What a Venus! What color! What hair! 
What lines !" Then all of a sudden, it's : "Oh, 
my dear! Why, you've gone yellow." The 
next day you're green, and then it's: "I have 
no time today." And, first thing you know, 
you're — pooh! Landscapes. (Scornfully.) 

[She goes to him above table at head of 
couch, takes his head in her hands. 
Don't you like me ? 

[13] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, smiling 
Why, yes. 

MIMI 

If you were really nice, you would at least promise 
to marry me. All the other artists promised. 
They weren't so mean as you are ! Oh yes, I 
know I am annoying you. I'm absolutely bor- 
ing you. 

KARL 

If you were not such a dear little nuisance — 

[Reaches up and draws her down to him. 

— I would have done with you a long time ago. 
[Kisses her. 

And now, run away, little girl: go home. 

MIMI 

Don't you want me tomorrow? or the day after 
tomorrow? 

KARL 

No. 

mimi, crossing to him at couch 

You will never have me pose any more for you 
at all? 

karl, rises; crosses with her to door R. 

I'll look in on you this evening on my way to the 
Zandens'. 

[14] 



THE DEVIL 

MIMI 

But you can't work in my house. I've only a 
lamp! 

EAEL 

Ha! Ha! Ha! Well, we'll put that out! 
[Has taken her to the door. 

MIMI 

Oh, will we! 

[Laughing. 
Maybe you'll get put out. 

KARL 

Bye, bye! 

[mimi exits. 

[Lights another cigarette — the bell rings 

sharply. Calls, somewhat excited. 

Heinrich ! Heinrich ! 

heinrich, comes in from studio 

Yes, sir. 

[Runs through the door on the R., which 
he leaves open, and goes off to open the 
hall door. 

KARL 

[Fixes his tie nervously, puts away news- 
paper, puts out his cigarette in ash tray, 
and arranges his hair. He goes towards the 
door through which her man and olga 
[15] 



THE DEVIL 

enter, heineich closes the door from 
the outside, kael bows. 
Madame ! 

[Bows silently to Herman. 

Herman, in a hurry 

I only came to bring Olga, my boy: I must go 
back at once. 

[olga has been looking around. 

olga, going to C. and over to L. 
So this is the famous studio. 

kare, looking around 
Funny, isn't it? More like a junk shop. 

HERMAN 

We might have chosen another day to begin 
Olga's portrait — we have waited six years, so 
we could just as well have waited until tomor- 
row; but the preparations for tonight's ball 
made Olga so nervous that I thought it best 
to bring her here. You know this ball is a kind 
of house-warming. 

[Crosses over to C. 

OLGA 

We were obliged to invite such a lot of people, 
to clear off our social obligations. 
[16] 



THE DEVIL 

HERMAN 

I wish it was over. I hate these functions. Old 
Freebody, in whose business I started, was 
worth ninety millions, and he never gave a 
party in his life — or anything else, for that 
matter. When do you want me to call for 
Olga? 

KARL, R. C. 

Well, it gets dark very early now : in three quar- 
ters of an hour we won't be able to see any 
more. 

HERMAN 

Well, then— 

karl, looking at his watch 
Let's say four o'clock. 

olga, after looking at a picture L. very closely 
Who is that? 

KARL 

Oh, some model. 

OLGA 

Wasn't that the girl we just met on the stairs? 
Herman crosses quickly to L. 

I must have a look at her. 
[Looks at picture. 
[olga stands so as to hide picture. 

Oh, better not. 

[Makes a gesture as if he had seen some- 
thing indecent. 

[17] 



THE DEVIL 

Well, every minute counts — I must be off. 
[Shakes his finger at kael. 

You'll have to stop that sort of thing, now, Karl. 
You know you are one of the reasons of to- 
night's ball. Isn't he, Olga? 

OLGA 

Yes — tonight Karl is to fall in love with his future 
wife. 

karl, goes L. C. 
I shall do my best. 

[To HERMAN. 

Sentenced to marry ! Well, I'm prepared to meet 
my doom. 

olga, seated on couch, with a little sigh 
At last! I shall be glad. 

HERMAN 

So shall I. So will the girl. So will Karl. 

KARL 

I hope so. She's a charming girl. 

OLGA 

Wait till you — 

KARL 

I know — I know. I shall adore her. But I have 
till this evening, you know. 
"[18] 



THE DEVIL 

HERMAN, crossing to OLGA 

Well, I'm off. My agent may telephone any 
minute. 

[He kisses olga's hand. 
I shall call for you at four o'clock, my dear. And 
don't worry about tonight : the caterer has his 
instructions. 

[Crossing to R., shaking hands with 
karl, who holds him back. 

kare, shaking Herman's hand 
Aren't you afraid to leave your wife? 

HERMAN 

Shall I tell you the truth? I'm hurrying because 
I'm afraid of changing my mind and taking 
Olga away with me. 

OLGA 

You're not jealous? 

Herman, at door 
If I wasn't afraid of appearing ridiculous, I would 
say : Be good ! And now, good-bye. 

[He goes off, karl bringing him to the 
door of entrance hall. 

KARL 

[Coming back, closes the door, stands still 
for a minute — when he comes back, olga 
[19] 



THE DEVIL 

shivers slightly and touches her forehead 
with her hand. 
[Crosses to L. C. by olga. 
What is it? 

olga, with a nervous, soft laugh 
Nothing — nothing at all. 

karl, tenderly 
Are you frightened? 

[olga does not answer. 
Tell me. 

olga, nervous, confused, as if she was afraid of 

him 
I don't know, but — I feel as if — as if — 

KARL 

What do you mean? 

olga, trying to laugh, but very nervously 

I had the same feeling once in Dresden, when my 
mother took me to a boarding-school and left 
me there. I felt as if I were quite alone in this 
wide, strange world — and now — you know 
yourself. I have fought against coming here 
for six years. 

[Looks around. 
What a queer place. I don't think I like it. 

[karl crosses C. and up laughing. 
Strange monsters, cut off heads, and you in the 
middle of all this like a wizard. While my 
[20] 



THE DEVIL 

husband was here I did not feel it, but now 
these heads seem to stare at me. 
[She shivers. 

KARL 

Don't be nervous — every woman I paint comes 
here. 

olga, seated on couch, quietly 
And do you paint every woman that comes here? 

KARL 

No. 

[Silence. 

OLGA 

Did you understand my husband just now? 

KARL 

I think I did. 

OLGA 

He has often pretended to be jealous, but this 
time there was a ring in his voice that made me 
feel that there was something behind it. 

KARL 

You don't really think he's jealous? 

olga, crosses to chair 
No. But this is the first time I've been alone with 
you. 

[21] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

Now we can talk things over. I've wanted to for 
a long time. 

olga, leans against R. back of chair 
We've done well to avoid it all these years. A 
good conscience is like a warm bath — one feels 
so comfortable in it. 

KARL 

Last Thursday, when we spoke about my painting 
your portrait, you seemed embarrassed. 

olga, looks at him; their eyes meet 
Don't let us talk about it. I don't want to. 

KARL 

Don't be afraid of me. If I were not I, your fear 
might be justified; but as it is, surely we can 
trust ourselves to talk things over quietly. To 
think that seven years ago I was a teacher in 
Herman's family — and I was there the day 
your engagement was announced — it was the 
evening of the day we — 

olga, puts her hand on his, softly reproaching 

him 
Karl. 

KARL 

— We kissed each other for the first time. Oh, I 
know. I was only a drawing teacher — but 
[22] 



THE DEVIL 

you — what were you? Just a poor little friend 
of Herman's sisters. Sometimes you were asked 
to tea in their grand house. And there we 
met — a beggar boy and a beggar girl at the 
rich man's table. Do you wonder? And then, 
just as we realized what we were to each other, 
one fine day Herman up and proposed to you. 
Such a dazzling offer — who could blame you? 

olga, hurt 
Please — please, Karl. 

KARL 

We were two poor little souls who found one 
another in the wilderness of wealth — only to 
lose each other. Even the memory of that one 
little kiss. . . 

OLGA 

Dear Karl, don't. We have grown up to be sensi- 
ble people — we have put it out of our thoughts. 

KARL 

Oh, I know it's all over. Today I'm — {humor- 
ously) the famous painter, your husband is my 
friend, and though we see one another every 
day, we have never spoken of it again. I 
wouldn't even have the courage to ask you to 
sit for your portrait. I was afraid, and I think 
you were afraid. And so was your husband. 
And that is why until this day— 
[23] 



THE DEVIL 

olga, steps down one pace from chair, gives him 

her hand 
You are a real friend. 

karl, goes to her, gently 
There's nothing to be afraid of. 

OLGA 

Oh, it was only my husband's voice — something 
in his manner that frightened me. He must 
know what we were to one another, though he 
has never made the slightest allusion to it, not 
one single word in all these years. But when 
he left us here alone, he seemed to feel — 
{Breaks off. 

But there is no reason for it, is there? We are 
not in love with one another, are we? And it's 
just lovely to think that we have not entirely 
forgotten old times. Don't you think so, Karl? 

karl, goes to chair 
Of course I do. 

OLGA 

Because if we still loved one another, you would 
rot marry, would you? 
[Taking off gloves. 

KARL 

Of course not. 

[24] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

So you will be married and you will be very, very 
happy — and I shall be happy, too, because it is 
my own idea, and I have picked out a nice girl 
for you — pretty and clever — 

[kael bows silent acquiescence. 
And now — 

[Goes up and knocks on back of chair — 
business of entering imaginary door, etc. 
She speaks in an everyday voice, in marked 
contrast to former tone. 
How do you do, Professor? I have come to have 
my portrait painted. 

karl, quite enthusiastic, R. C. 

Last night I made a sketch of you from mem- 
ory. . . Oh, I've made lots of sketches of you; 
but now, now I see you in another light. 

OLGA, R. 

How do you mean? 

KARL 

Yesterday I looked upon you as a model. Today 
you are a motif — you are a revelation. . • 
there is something in your eyes. . . 

OLGA 

Please, please, Karl, we agreed that — that — 
[25] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

Pardon me, I'll try to remember. 
[Goes up on platform. 

OLGA 

Let's go to work now — it's getting late. 

KARL 

Whenever you are ready — 

OLGA 

What am I to do? 

karl, steps behind her to take hat pins out of 

her hat 
Take off your hat and your coat, please. 

OLGA 

Thanks, I can do that myself. 

[She takes her hat and coat off. karl 
takes her coat up on platform. 

karl, passing her chair as he goes up 
Do you use perfume in your hair? 

OLGA 

I ? Never ! 

[At chair up in alcove. 
[26] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

Oh, then it is the natural perfume of your hair. 

[She looks at him reproachfully. 
Pardon me: I stood too near. 

[Looks at her in silence. She crosses back 

of large chair to couch L., and sits facing 

audience. 

olga, nervously, turns her head to him 
What is it? 

karl, leaning against big chair , looking at her 

dress 
I was just thinking — didn't your husband say an 
evening frock? 

OLGA 

Yes. Herman wants me painted decolletee — in an 
evening gown; just a head and shoulders, you 
know. I would have preferred a street dress. 

KARL 

I'm afraid I agree with Herman on that point. 
But have you? . . . Didn't you? . . . Where 
is the dress? 

OLGA 

Oh, I thought you would only be painting my 
face the first sitting. 

[27] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, comes C, laughs 

So you thought I began at the top of a portrait 
and painted down? 

OLGA, hesitating 
Yes. 

KARL 

Why, the drawing of the shoulders is almost more 
important than the head in the first sketch. 

OLGA 

Oh, dear. How stupid of me. 

karl, crossing L. 

I'll tell you what— 

[He selects some draperies from those 

hanging in the corner. 
I have some draperies here — 

OLGA 

Well— 

KARL 

You can arrange one of these around your shoul- 
ders like — like an evening gown. 

olga, mechanically 
Yes. 

[28] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, hanging drapery on cabinet L. 

You will have to be quick because it will soon be 
dark. Here are the draperies — you'll find some 
pins over here, and I'll go into the studio while 
you — until you — 

[Goes to door of studio. 

olga, seated 
Until when? Why? 

KARL 

Why, if I'm to paint your shoulders — well — 

[Turns away towards studio. 
— your blouse? 

olga, terribly embarrassed 
Of course — 

KARL 

Do just as if you were at home. I'll close this 
door. 

[Goes to door R. to entrance hall and 
lochs it. 
And now I'll go into the studio. . . and you can 
lock this door yourself. 

[He has opened the door of the studio and 
has made one step into studio, and now 
says in a low tone: 
Oh! It's snowing. 

[He looks at Olga. 
[29] 



THE DEVIL 

OL6A 

Snowing? 

KARL 

Snowing hard. 
[Silence. 

OLGA 

Hadn't we better? — perhaps — perhaps — tomor- 
row — or — or — 

[She has been saying this very slowly, as 
if afraid, but now suddenly regains con- 
fidence, as if she had had a saving idea. 

Tomorrow I could bring my maid. 

KARL 

Oh, no, no. Your husband would certainly want 
to know the reason, and really — if this door is 
closed — 

[He goes back to his studio. 
It's too bad ! This snow takes all the light slwslj. 
But never mind — never mind; the snow shovel- 
lers will be glad of it. 

[He has spoken the last few sentences in a 
very low voice, as if the situation was 
painful to him. He goes backwards into 
the studio and now closes the door. 
[olga is standing with her back towards 
the studio, staring in front of her. She 
now shrinks together, shivers, turns 
around. Sudden resolution, she turns the 
[30] 



THE DEVIL 

key, locking the door to the studio. Slow- 
ly unbuttons her blouse, looks at the 
shawls, of which she chooses one, after- 
wards takes her blouse off quietly, putting 
the shawl around her shoulders. She has 
put the blouse on the settee before she 
arranges the shawl. She now picks up 
the blouse and wants to put it on the 
chair in front of the fireplace; her arm 
is already stretched out when she suddenly 
drops the blouse, utters a suppressed 
shriek, dropping blouse by chair, and 
crosses quickly to foot of couch. 
[The devil, in fashionable frock coat, a 
crimson carnation in buttonhole, a man 
of from thirty-five to thirty-eight years 
old, resembling in face classical Me phis to, 
very elegant, picks up the blouse and offers 
If to olga in a most polite manner. 

DEVIL 

Pardon, Madame. 

[Comes C. a little. 
I think you dropped something. 

[olga takes the blouse mechanically and 
looks at him frightened. 
I must beg your pardon, Madame. I came from 
lunch. Karl was not at home. I waited and I 
fell asleep in this very comfortable chair. 
[He rubs his eyes. 

[31] 



THE DEVIL 

Forgive me, Madame, for opening my eyes at a 
moment when, for propriety's sake, I should 
have at least kept one eye shut. 

olga, puts blouse on couch and goes L., hor- 
rified and disgusted 
Oh! 

devil, Right of couch L. 

I am aware this is a base insinuation — of course 
you only come here — 
-^ [Ironical. 

OLGA 

To have my portrait painted. 

DEVIL 

I once had a similar encounter at a dentist's ; and 
the lady, to prove that my insinuations were 
false, did not hesitate to sacrifice a perfectly 
good tooth. 

OLGA 

I tell you, I — 

devil, very polite 

Oh, I know — you speak the truth. I am even at 
liberty to believe it, though your truth is only 
partly in style. Truth should have nothing on 
at all, you know. 

[32] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

The insolence ! What right have you to speak to 
me? Who are you? What are you doing here? 
Karl! 

[karl tries door outside. 
Karl! 

[She opens the door of the studio, karl 
appears on the threshold and looks sur- 
prised at the devil. 

devil, crosses up R. C. very quickly 
How do you do? 

karl, taken aback 
How do you do? — er — how are you? 

devil, quickly 
You don't seem to remember me — we met at Monte 
Carlo — 

karl, up L. C. 
Oh, yes. 

DEVIL 

Quite an eventful day it was. 

karl, comes down a little 
Yes, yes, I remember. It was last fall, and I had 
just lost all my money at roulette. As I 
turned from the table, I caught sight of a 
stranger frowning at me. 
[Pointing to devil. 
[33] 



THE DEVIL 

It was you. I was startled, because only a mo- 
ment before I had seen you next to the croupier, 
and I thought I heard you laugh when I lost. 
But now I remember — you stood behind me, and 
when I had lost everything, you offered me, a 
total stranger, a handful of louis d'or. 

DEVIL 

You refused — beggingly. 

KARL 

Yes, but — 

devil, continuing 
You took them — protestingly. 

KARL 

In five minutes I had won everything back, and 
20,000 francs besides. Your gold seemed to 
have magic power, I remember. When you 
gave it to me it seemed to burn. 

DEVIL 

But you paid me back and invited me to supper. 
I had to refuse, because I was obliged to leave 
for Spain the same evening, but I promised to 
look you up the next time you needed me — 

[Crosses to R. 
and here I am. 

[34] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

Well, I'll be— 

devil, interrupting quickly 
Don't mention it. I took a little nap in your 
chair. 

[Goes up to bach of big chair. 

olga, goes C.y pointing to big chair. Frightened 
It's very strange — this chair was empty; there 
was nobody there. 

devil, stepping towards her, bowing; in a tone 

allowing no contradiction 
Then I was mistaken, Madame. 

[olga goes over behind couch L. Silence. 

[olga and karl look at the devil sus- 

piciously. 

karl, L. C., embarrassed 
Won't you please sit down? Allow me to intro- 
duce you. I quite forget your name. . . 

devil, R. C. 
Call me anything you like: we only call names 
when the party is absent ; but I am here now — 
call me Miller, or Brown, or Black. 

[Start from karl. devil stops him. 
If you think Doctor sounds better, why not call 
me Doctor Miller? 

[35] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, very much embarrassed 
Doctor Miller — 

[Crosses to R. C. The devil hisses 
olga's hand devoutly at foot of couch. 
Under ordinary circumstances, I should now take 
my hat and leave ; 

[Goes up C; turns. 
but my infinite tact compels me to force my 
presence upon you in this disagreeable situa- 
tion. 

[Sits down in chair C. 

olga, crossing to karl; to the devil 
How dare you! Karl! This man has the inso- 
lence to — 

devil, seated C. Very quickly 
Your husband has been dead some time? 

olga, R. 
I'm not a widow. 

devil, very quick 
Oh. divorced? 

OLGA 

No. 

DEVIL 

Well, if you think that I have insulted you, I 
[36] 



THE DEVIL 

should say the proper person to refer me to 
would be your husband. 
[Rises; to karl : 
Of course, if you wish, I am at your disposal also. 

[To olga : 
But, Madame, this would be admitting — 

KARL 

What's it all about? I don't understand you. 
You come in here, I don't know how or where 
from, and you — you act as if you had trapped 
us — 

OLGA, goes to KARL R. C 

The idea ! 

DEVIL 

Say what you like: I cannot go. 

OLGA 

Why not? 

DEVIL 

If I were to go now, it would be as much as to 
say: "Pardon me, I fear I intrude." But if I 
remain, I show that I suspect nothing. 

KARL 

We don't need your assurance. 

[olga crosses to L. below couch. 
[37] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, bows politely; embarrassing silence 
Suppose we talk about something else. I think we 
are in for a snowstorm. 

[Standing R. of studio door. Silence. 
[olga stands near the door leading to the 
studio, quite astonished. 
Are you sending anything to this year's exhibi- 
tion ? 

karl, uncomfortable 
Perhaps — I may send something. 

[Silence. The devil lights a cigarette 
at table L. C. 

devil, puffs cigarette. On second puff 
Permit me, Madame. 

[olga, picking up blouse, as if suddenly 

awakened and realizing her position, goes 

into the studio, closing the door behind her. 

Full of temperament — full of temperament. And 

pretty, too. 

[karl starts to light cigarette at table 
L. C. 

karl, dropping cigarette, crosses to chair up C., 
sits and looks at the devil without speaking 

DEVIL 

Too bad she doesn't love her husband. 

[karl turns quickly towards the devil. 

Quick : 
How do I know? The way she turned to you just 
[38] 



THE DEVIL 

now when she fancied herself insulted — it didn't 
escape me. 

[kakl takes up the ash tray and throws it 

angrily on table. 
No ; she doesn't love her husband. He must be 
either a genius or a very common man. Mar- 
riage with them is always unlucky. Believe me, 
common men live so low that women are afraid 
somebody will steal in at night through the 
window which they forgot to lock. And Genius, 
well! That lives on the top floor — so many 
stairs, no elevator. Her ideal is — 

[A motion of the hand, wanting to express 

an even, middle position. 
— the second floor. 

[kael looks impatiently at his watch and 

goes towards the door of the studio. The 

devil leans back blowing the smoke of his 

cigarette, indifferently. 
This is the second time I have seen her shoulders. 



karl, coming down left of couch 
What do you mean? 

DEVIL 

The first time I saw them was in Paris — 
[Start from karl. 
at the Louvre — only they were on the Aphro- 
dite. Am I right ? 

[39] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, crossing to large chair R. C. In bad 

humor 
How should I know? 

devil, lifting himself upright, cynically 
Which shoulders have you not seen? 

Karl, angry 
I've seen the Aphrodite. 

devil, seated on couch 
Well, you may take my word. I have seen them 
both. And, believe me, since Alcamenes, I have 
only known one sculptor who could model such 
shoulders. 

KARL 

Who's that? 

DEVIL 

Good living. Such tender, soft lines are only pos- 
sible for a woman who lives exquisitely well. I 
take it she is the wife of a millionaire? 

[karl goes again towards door of studio 
impatiently. 
Is she dressing? 

karl, nervously, 
I suppose so. 

DEVIL 

Is there a looking-glass in your studio? 
[40] 



Yes. 



THE DEVIL 

KASi, comes down L. of couch 



DEVIL 

She must be very respectable. 

[karl looks at him astonished. 
If a lady takes as long as that to dress before a 
looking-glass, she's not a — model — anyway. 

karl, crosses around foot of couch to table L. C. 
Look here ! I think your remarks are, to say the 
least, in very bad taste. 

devil, standing erect 
Do you mean that? 

karl, aggressively 
I do. 

devil, patting karl's cheek 

Then you must be respectable, too. 

[Crosses to big chair, karl stares at him 
astonished. 

In a situation like this, only a very respectable 
man can be so infernally stupid. 

[karl crosses to R. olga opens door of 
studio, goes towards karl without look- 
ing at the devil, who is hidden in chair. 

olga, dropping shawl on couch 
What's the time? 

[Crosses to karl, R. 
[41] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, looking up over back of chair 
He'll be here in ten minutes. 



olga, angry 
Who? 

DEVIL 

Your husband. 

OLGA 

Oh ! So you weren't asleep after all. 

DEVIL 

Oh, yes, I was. 

[Rises. 
But "What's the time?" always means the hus- 
band. A woman's intuition invariably antici- 
pates her husband's coming by ten minutes. 
If it wasn't for that ten minutes, there would 
be more divorced women — 

[He goes and unlocks the door of the hall, 
— and less locked doors. 

[karl crosses to L. C. 

olga, taking her hat 
Will this never stop ! 

DEVIL 

I tried to change the subject. I started to speak 
about the weather — the Exhibition — but Karl 
wouldn't have it. 

[42] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 



Karl! 



KARL 

I? I haven't said a single word. 

devil, crosses to big chair 

But your actions fairly shouted. The way you 
jumped up, looked at your watch, went to the 
door — 

[To olga : 

He was afraid, the poor fellow. 

KARL 

Afraid of what? 
[L. C. 

DEVIL, to OLGA 

That your husband would come before you had 
finished dressing. I don't blame him. 

OLGA, R. 

What, again ! 

[Goes up to hat. 

KARL, L. C 

Can't you — 

[ 43 ] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Come now! Let us be logical — let us look the 
situation in the face. Enter your husband — 
[olga comes down R. 

"Well, here I am: where is the picture?" "The 
picture?" 

[Shrugs his shoulders. 

"There is no picture. Karl hasn't even touched 
a brush." Your husband is astonished — he 
tries to speak — the words stick in his throat — 
he gasps : "Well, if you didn't paint, why is 
she dressing?" Imagine the situation! You 
look at one another horribly embarrassed ; Karl 
stammers something, but that only makes it 
worse. Nothing has happened — and yet the 
mischief is done. What mischief? Appear- 
ances — appearances. They're like fly-paper. 
There's no getting away from them. 

[Speaking to olga: 
You go home with your husband, and he doesn't 
speak — and if you ask him: "Why don't you 
say something?" his blood seems to boil. If 
you ask him to take a cab, he suspects that you 
want to avoid meeting somebody — every word 
that you utter tortures him. And if — 

KARL, C. 

And if it were so, we are not alone, you are 
here. 

[44] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, icy and cynical 
Just so, I am here — one word from me would save 
the situation — but — I know myself — I'm a 
strange, whimsical, almost cruel man — and I'm 
afraid I won't say the word. Tableau! Em- 
barrassing silence ! Then I say : "I regret that 
I should have come at such an inopportune 
moment." I take my hat and walk out dis- 
creetly. If necessary, I can even stammer my 
excuses. 

OLGA 

If this is a jest, it's a cruel one. 

devil, bowing low 
Possible, Madame — but I can do better still. Of 
course, if you prefer it, I can make conversa- 
tion — when your husband comes in, I can tell 
him that the portrait has not been touched and 
ask his pardon — 

OLGA 

Pardon? Pardon for what? 

devil, bowing 
For having — quite accidentally — seen your shoul- 
ders. 

olga, horrified 
Who are you? 

[45] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

I am one who always comes at the right moment — 
I come from Nowhere. 

[Very bitingly. 
I am here — 

[Touching olga's forehead. 

OLGA 

What do you want with me? You turn every- 
thing to evil. I have scarcely known you five 
minutes, and I seem to feel your fingers at my 
throat. 

DEVIL 

That's because I like you. With most pretty 
women I take longer. 

karl, furiously, starts towards him 
Look here : this has gone far enough ! 

[Makes a few steps towards the devil, 
who stands erect without moving. At the 
same time, heinrich comes to the door, 
which he opens, and starts speaking at 
once. 

heinrich 

The tailor has sent an evening suit, but it is not 
yours, sir. 

devil 

Put it on the chair in the bedroom. 
[46] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

But it's not mine. 

devil, gives a sign to heinrich to go out and 

do as he was told. Speaking to karl 
It's mine. 

KARL 

Yours ? 

devil, makes motion to heinrich, who goes 
out 
[During speech olga goes up and gets 
her hat. karl walks back and forth L. C. 
I had to have it pressed. I told the tailor to send 
it here. I must dress for tonight. I'm going 
to a ball the prettiest woman in Vienna is giv- 
ing at the house of the Duke of Maranse. 

olga, coming down R., frightened 
But the Duke does not live there now — he's Am- 
bassador in Madrid; he has sold his house- 
to us. 

DEVIL 

I know. I met him in Paris. He told me — 

OLGA 

We are living there now — we are giving the ball. 

DEVIL 

Am I mistaken? Am I not invited? 

olga, in a very low voice, dropping her head 
Yes — ves, you are. 

[47] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, very polite 
Madame, you asked me a little while ago what 
I wanted. That's what I wanted. Thank you. 
[Bows and turns towards C. Silence. 

OLGA 

But my husband — 

devil, turning to her 

Will be delighted. I've just come from Odessa. 
I have good news. Wheat is rising — this year's 
crop turned out worse than they thought it 
would. 

olga, greatly pleased 
Yes? The crop is bad? 

[The devil goes to big chair and kneels 
on it L. 

DEVIL 

So you do love your husband? You're glad the 
crop is a failure? 

OLGA 

Of course I am. 

[As if she was somewhat ashamed about 
her husband's speculations. 
We want the wheat to be bad because that will 
drive the price up. 

[48] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

What of that? 

OLGA 

My husband will make lots of money. 

DEVIL, tO OLGA 

And you will get that new gown. 

OLGA 

How do you know I want a new dress? 

DEVIL 

You have a new hat — a very pretty one — and you 
will certainly want a new dress to wear with it. 

OLGA 

You must be married. 

DEVIL 

Married? Not the least — but I have an eye for 
feminine vanities. Oh, no ! A wife is like a 
single eyeglass — it looks very nice, but one is 
better off without it. 

OLGA, R. 

You seem to have strong views against marriage. 
May I ask why? 

[49] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, shaking his finger 
Because you are plotting matrimony against 
KarJ, and I want to save him. 

karl, starts toward him; stops C. 
I beg your pardon — 

DEVIL 

An artist ought never to marry — his wife will 
swear on the wedding day to stand by his side 
all through life. The day after the wedding 
she will stand in his way. 

OLGA 

Not the real wife. 

DEVIL 

The real wife is always the other man's wife. 

OLGA 

You're a cynic. 

DEVIL 

Oh, no, not cynical, only careful. A tigress who 
has married — I mean eaten — a man, is no 
longer dangerous — you can ride on her back 
through the jungle. But, you must wait till 
she has married — I mean eaten — somebody; 
then she is quite safe. 

[50] 



THE DEVIL 



KARL 



Better to keep away from the tigress — and stay 
at home. 



DEVIL 

Then why didn't you stay at home? Why did you 
refuse a legitimate position — good, everyday 
morals — a decent occupation at so much a 
week? You wanted to go into the jungle — 
and there you are. Now fight your battle — 
hunt tigers — but don't get married! 

[He now changes his tone, goes into the 
church chair, on whose back he leans his 
two arms, speaking as if from a pulpit. 
It is almost dark, and during this scene it 
becomes darker yet. 
And yet — what a splendid couple you two would 
make. 

[olga, standing quite near the devil but 
not looking at him, buries her face in her 
hands. 
Wake up ! 

[To KARL : 
You, with your talent, your splendid youth! 

[To olga : 
You, with your temperament, and beauty and 
longing ! 

[ 51 ] 



THE DEVIL 

karl crosses to R. 
Stop ! Stop ! I beg you — 

[olga backs to R. of bach of chair, as 
though to protect devil. 
— for years we have been just good friends. 

DEVIL 

[He now begins to speak in almost a whis- 
per, but getting warmer and warmer, the 
more embarrassed karl and olga become. 
You may say what you like, but I can read your 

eyes; they say to me: "Don't believe him, he 

lies." 

[Goes to fire and warms his hands, karl 
stands below olga. 

KARL 

Don't interrupt me. For six years we have been 
— good friends, nothing else. Olga cares 
nothing for me — and I — and I — 

devil, quickly 
What will you give me to interrupt you now? 

OLGA 

I don't know what you, who profess to know 
everything, know about us, but anyone who 
thinks Karl capable of one base thought must 
be very low and contemptible himself. 
[52] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

[Goes behind olga and whispers into her 
ear. At the end of the speech he is a little 
to the L. of them by the big chair. 
It's not a base thought: it's a great thought — a 
thought that brings joy and warmth and light 
into your wretched little lives. But joy has its 
price — and you must pay it, you misers ! The 
drunkard dies of drink, but while he is drunk 
angels in heaven sing to him. The poet dies in 
the ecstasy of his sweetest song. It is a 
coward's bravery that turns away from the 
wine, the song — and the lips of woman. The 
smallest candle-end shows you it is worth while 
to burn up for the sake of a little warmth— -a 
little light. The only end of life is to burn — to 
burn yourself up. You must name and blaze 
like a torch and toss the fire about you. I 
know: your moralists tell you to love one 
another — don't believe them — your grubby lit- 
tle earth with its paltry million years is not 
ripe for such a love as that. It can only breed 
monks, madmen, Methodists. Don't be a fool, 
be a rogue — but be a jolly rogue — and the 
world is yours ! Look at me ! I own the earth. 
Here is the key of life — Love yourself — only 
yourself. Dress yourself in the softest gar- 
ments — kiss the sweetest lips — drink of the wine 
of Life — Drink! Drink! Drink! 

[Bell rings sharply — nobody moves. 
[53] ' 



THE DEVIL 

olga, after a pause, in a low voice 
My husband — 

DEVIL 

[Steps down from the chair, crossing C, 
snaps his fingers angrily, and says after- 
wards, in a cold, cynical tone: 
Mr. Wheat. 

[heinrich opens the door, and Herman 
comes in. heinrich follows him, but 
stops short at the door. 

HERMAN 

I'm afraid I'm late. My agent hasn't telephoned 
me yet, but I didn't want to make you wait too 
long. Rather dark in here! 

[heinrich touches a button, lighting 
the lights, and exits. 

Herman, sees the devil, presenting himself 

I'm Herman Zanden, of Zanden Brothers & Wilde. 
[devil mutters something and shakes 
hands with him C. 

olga, coming down R. karl goes behind big 

chair 
Strange man. 

[54] 



THE DEVIL 

HERMAN 

Pleased to meet you. 

[Converses with kael a few moments; 

then to olga: 
Well, my dear, where's the picture? Mayn't I 
see it? 

karl, in the big chair, leaning over bach 
There's nothing to see — there is no picture. 

Herman, looking at his watch 
What have you been doing? 

KARL 

Nothing. {Silence.) It's been dark for the last 
hour. 

HERMAN 

Yes, but I've been gone two hours. 

devil, steps to the front L. C. very politely 
It was all my fault. We have been chatting. 
We've had a very interesting discussion. And 
Madame was kind enough to invite me for this 
evening. 

HERMAN 

Oh ! I'm very pleased. 

devil, crosses to couch L. and sits 
Thank you. I have just come from Odessa. I 
had a talk with the Russian Wheat King. He 
tells me — 

[55] 



THE DEVIL 

HERMAN 

Yes, I've heard ; wheat's going up. 

olga, frightened 
Isn't that good for us? 

HERMAN 

No, dear. I did not tell you this is the first year 
I am short on wheat. 

KARL 

What does it mean to be short on wheat ? 

devil, seated on couch L. 
It means digging a ditch for others and falling 
into it yourself. 

[To HERMAN ! 

I don't think you've any cause for uneasiness. 
I have inside information that the American 
crop will be excellent. 

HERMAN, C. 

If that is the case, I shall be safe. 

DEVIIi 

You will be quite safe. 

HERMAN 

Do you also deal in wheat? 
[56] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Yes and no. I dabble in everything. And always 

at improper moments. {Rises.) 
karl, has been talking to olga, but now goes 

OVer to HERMAN 

I'm afraid I can't come before eleven o'clock this 
evening. 

[Continues talking to Herman, and both 
go to fire. 

olga, crosses and meets devil, C. 
I must speak to you at once — alone. 

[Looks around as if she wanted to say that 
her husband and kael were in the way. 

DEVIL 

Alone ? Delighted ! 

[Crosses by her and goes up C. olga goes 
behind couch and devil addresses Her- 
man. 
By the way, if you want to see something delight- 
fully bad, you ought to take a look at the 
sketch Karl made yesterday of your wife. 

Herman, coming down 
Where is the sketch? 

devil 

In the studio. 

[herman takes karl's arm and walks to 
door of the studio; in going into the studio 
speaks to karl. 

[57] 



THE DEVIL 

HERMAN 

I'm sorry you didn't start Olga's portrait today. 
What were you talking about all the time? 
[Goes into studio. 

DEVIL, to OLGA 

I'll wait for you here. 

[He steps back Into the room just in time 
to see mimi enter from the hall. 

mi mi, comes right in, crossing to C. 
Excuse me — 

DEVIL 

You want to see the painter ? 

mimi, excited 
Yes, please. 

devil, very gently, pushing mimi out of the door 
into the hall and speaking through the door 

One minute, my dear. There are some visitors 
here. Sit down there. I'll call you. 

olga, comes quickly from the studio 
I wanted to tell you — to tell you — 

devil, R. C. 
It is not true. 

[58] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

What is not true? 

DEVIL 

Whatever you are going to tell me. 

OLGA 

But believe me. 

DEVIL 

Surely no woman can expect that. 

OLGA 

But I am telling you the truth. 

DEVIL 

Ah! I might believe you if you said you were not 
speaking the truth. 

OLGA 

Must I think and speak only as you wish me to? 

DEVIL 

Not yet. Now what can I do for you? 

olga, very earnestly L. C. 

Don't come tonight. Now my husband has come, I 

am myself again, and your manner grates upon 

me. I had begun to feel as if some strange 

force — some invisible hand — was clutching me 

[59] 



THE DEVIL 

— holding me in spite of myself. There is a 
mystery about you. It frightens me. I thanked 
God when I heard that bell ring. He came just 
in time. 

DEVIL 

To point a moral and break up a charming party. 
We were just beginning to understand each 
other. 



OLGA 



DEVIL 



Oh please stop ! 
Are you afraid? 



OLGA 

No, but I ask you not to come to our house this 
evening. 

devil, with a very polite bow, then drawing him- 
self up 
I shall come. 

OLGA 

And if my husband asks you not to come? 

DEVIL 

Your husband has already asked me to come. 
[60] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

And if, in the presence of my husband, I ask you 
not to come? 

DEVIL 

Well, I'll make a compromise with you. If you 
repeat your invitation in your husband's pres- 
ence, I shall accept; if you do not, I will not 
come. 

olga, breathing freely 

That's nice of you — the first really nice thing 
you've said. I like you much better. 

[kael and herman come back from the 
studio, and Herman starts to talk at once 
to the devil, karl goes toward olga, 
who meets karl up C. 

OLGA, to HERMAN 

Shall we go? 

HERMAN 

Yes, dear; put your coat on. 

[Comes down L. devil crosses to herman. 

karl, meets olga, they go up to recess. He 

helps olga to put her coat on. 
I see now how bad the sketch is. 

[Holds mirror for olga while she puts 
her hat on. 

[61] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

Please don't look at me like that. 

KARL 

Even if I don't look at you, I see you just the 
same, Olga. 

olga, covering her face with her hand 
We must give up the portrait, Karl. . . I'm going 
away. . . away somewhere. 

DEVIL, L., With HERMAN. 

You don't say? You represent Holman & Co. in 
London? When I am in Odessa I am always 
old Mr. Holman's guest. A charming old gen- 
tleman. No doubt you have heard the rumors. 
It seems they've been mixed up with some un- 
fortunate ventures which hnve seriously affected 
their standing. 

HERMAN, X„Gi,cd On COUch 

Strange! Another friend of mine spoke to me 
about it only yesterday. 

DEVIL 

Yes, but that isn't all. He's the president of 
some trust company, and in order to boom the 
stocks he — but it's a long story, I won't bore 
you with it now. 

[Makes as if he wanted to go. 
[62] 



THE DEVIL 

HERMAN 

My dear sir, this concerns me more than I can 
tell you. The fact is — I — I am heavily inter- 
ested. 

[olga has her hat on and turns, listening 
to herman and the devil. 

DEVIL 

You don't say. But it's a long story. 

HERMAN 

Well, then — tonight. 

DEVIL 

Oh, I am so sorry. I have excused myself already 
to Madame, but I had forgotten all about a 
call I must pay at the Russian Embassy this 
evening. 

HERMAN 

Well, lunch with me tomorrow? 

devil, with a gesture of regret 
I'm afraid it will be impossible. I leave tomor- 
row at nine o'clock for — Spain. 

herman, to himself 
H'm ! I must have this information. 

[herman crosses to C, speaking to his 
wife. 
My dear, won't you please ask the Doctor to try 
and arrange to come to our house this evening? 
[63] 



THE DEVIL 

olga, somewhat embarrassed 
Well, but if pressing business. . . 

devil, L. C. 

It is not so very pressing. Of course, it would 
mean a little sacrifice. 

Herman, C., looking at olga 
Well— 

OLGA, R. C. 

Much as I would like to see you, Doctor, I can- 
not ask you to sacrifice anything for our sake. 

devil, as if suddenly remembering something 
Come to think of it, the Russian Ambassador left 
town yesterday, so if Madame — 

Herman, goes up C. devil crosses to her R. C. 
Well, my dear? 

olga, in a tone of resignation 
I hope we shall have the pleasure this evening — 

devil, crosses to olga 
Pardon me. You said — 

olga, very slowly 
I hope we shall have the pleasure of your com- 
pany this evening? 
[Goes to door R. 

[64] 



THE DEVIL 



devil, ironically 
Madame, I thank you for your invitation; I shall 
be most charmed. 

Herman, coming down to karl 
And you don't come before eleven? 

karl, by big chair 
No; I expect an art dealer. 



HERMAN, SUggtsuvtiy 
I know your art dealers. Fie! And you going 
to be married. 

olga, curiously, and a bit jealous 
What is it? 

KARL 

Oh, nothing. 

devil, up C. as if listening 
I think somebody knocked at the door. 

HERMAN 

I didn't hear anything. 

DEVIL 

Yes, there it goes again. 
[Cynically. 

Probably the art dealer. 

[Goes to hall door, which he opens, steps 
out, speaking into the hall. 

Oh, it's you, my dear. Come in. 

[Swings mimi into room past olga, land- 
ing her C. 

[ 65 ] 



THE DEVIL 

mimi, as she comes in embarrassed 
Good evening. 

[heinrich enters from studio, 

karl, up C. embarrassed 
Good evening. 

[mimi goes up L. 

devil, R. C., in a low tone to Herman 
We'd better go. 

[mimi and olga stare at one another, 

{Cynically to Herman: 
The Art Dealer! 

Herman, laughing, going to door 
Well, au revoir. 
[Exit. 

DEVIL, to OLGA 

Quite a little comedy. 

olga, at door R, 
You think so? 

karl, to mimi, pointing to the studio 
Please step in there, Fraulein ; I'll be with you in 
a minute. 

[karl turns to olga with hand out- 
stretched, as if to say good-bye. olga 
pretends not to see it and bows coldly. 
[66] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, whispers to oiga 

You were good enough to invite me for this even- 
ing: I am now going to repay your kindness. 
In five minutes I shall be back here to interrupt 
this tete-a-tete. Watch me forget my overcoat. 
[He takes the overcoat which kael had 
put on a chair at the beginning of the act 
when he came in. heinrich helps the 
devil to put on the overcoat, but notices 
that it is his master's. 

HEINRICH 

Pardon, sir ; but this is not your overcoat. 
This— 

devil, aside to heinrich 
Shut up! 

[devil goes off; heinrich follows him 
out. 

karl, comes C. to mimi 

Didn't I promise you I'd come? What do you 
want ? 

mimi, coming to him 
Were you ashamed to have those people see me? 

KARL 

I told you I'd come. What more do you want? 
[67] 



THE DEVIL 

MIMI 

I was downstairs in the lunch room and thought 
it all over. Dear Karl, don't be mean — don't 
get married. 

KARL 

But — Mimi ! 

MIM« 

I never used to care, but now that I've seen those 
people I — I can't bear it. Don't get married! 
[Cries. 

KARL 

You mustn't cry — it spoils your beauty. 

MIMI 

Oh, I'm a fool. 

KARL 

Now, you're talking sense. 

MIMI 

I've been a silly girl — but it's all over now. I'm 
sensible again. You are going to settle down 
and marry Elsa and be the most famous por- 
trait painter in all Europe. 

KARL 

Mimi, child — don't speak of portraits. I feel at 
this moment as if I never wanted to hear the 
[68] 




Mi mi and Karl 



THE DEVIL 

word portrait again. I'd like to run away 
from everything, Mimi. What do you say? 

[Goes to couch L. and sits. 
Suppose you and I get married and go away — 
far away into the country — or to the United 
States, where we'd never be heard of again. 

mimi, kneels beside him 
Do you mean that? 

karl, recklessly 
Yes — yes ! 

mimi, gives him her hand 

That's mighty nice of you, Karl. 

[Rises, goes L. C. 
But no! even if you really mean it — which you 
don't— 

[Makes an effort to control herself. 

karl, interrupting 
Mimi! 

mimi 

No, Karl; I'd only keep you back — you must 
marry in your own set. 

[Changes tone. 
But don't run away — with — with anybody. 
Good-bye. 

[69] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

No, don't go ! Now you have come, you might as 
well stay a while — take your hat off. 

[Helps her off with her hat and jacket. 
I'm glad you came back. Now, let's be sensi- 
ble — and talk it over. You know I really am 
fond of you — after all, I am your best friend 
and you are my — my — 

[The devil has silently opened the door 

and comes in. 

DEVIL 

My — my overcoat must be somewhere. Your 
stupid servant gave me yours. 

[Takes coat off. 
It's funny, but every time I come here, you are 
helping some lady to take off her things. 

[mimi goes to couch. 

mimi, horrified 
Well, I never. 
[Exit. 

DEVIL 

You have every qualification for a ladies' tailor. 

KARL 

You are very kind. 

DEVIL 

• Don't mention it. 

[70] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, impolitely 

I'll fetch your overcoat; I don't want to detain 
you. 

[Puts out lights and goes towards studio. 

DEVIL 

The hanger was torn off. I asked your man to 
mend it and bring it here when it was done. 

[Sits up C, Silence. 
I just saw something very touching. 

KARL 

What? 

[Goes to C. and sits on arm of chair by 

DEVIL. 

DEVIL 

The way that woman clung to her husband's arm 
as if for protection. 

KARL 

For protection? (Sneeringly.) From you? 

DEVIL 

Look here, my boy ; do you think you are wise to 
be such a fool? 

[karl rises, starts away, devil catches 
him by hand. 

[71] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

I don't want to talk about it. You don't seem to 
understand my position. I have seen this 
woman for years every day, and I never even 
thought — and if I had thought — I should have 
laughed at myself. 

devil, rises, takes both karl's hands 

Look at her ! She's yours. Think what it means 
— joy, unspeakable joy — the most supreme joy 
one can have. And to think that you are too 
lazy to stretch out your hand! Why, another 
one would toil day and night, would risk life 
and limb for such a prize — and it just drops at 
your feet — a windfall. 

KARL 

I suppose that's why — 

[In a tone as if he didn't think much of it. 
— just a windfall. 
[Sits on couch. 

devil, sits on table L. C. 

Last fall, on the sixth of September — I shall 
never forget the date — something strange hap- 
pened to me. I put on an old suit I hadn't 
worn for a long time, and as I picked up the 
waistcoat, a sovereign fell out. God knows how 
long it had been there. As I turned this sover- 

[72] 



THE DEVIL 

eign over to look at it, it suddenly slipped 
through my fingers and rolled away. I looked 
and looked, but my sovereign was gone. I 
become nervous: I can't find the sovereign. I 
search around for half an hour, three quarters 
of an hour, still I can't find it. I get angry, I 
get furious. I shift the furniture — no sover- 
eign. I call my man — we both look every- 
where until it's dark. I'm perspiring and trem- 
bling — I have but one idea: I must get that 
sovereign back. Suddenly a suspicion comes 
into my mind — I get up from my knees. I 
scream at the top of my voice to my servant: 
"You thief, you have found the sovereign and 
put it into your pocket." The man gets angry 
and answers me disrespectfully. I am about to 
strike him when I see the blade of a knife shin- 
ing in his hands. I draw my revolver — 

[Takes a shining revolver out of his pocket 

and rises. 
— and with this revolver I nearly killed a man 
for a sovereign — 

[Look from karl. 
— I didn't need and had never missed — just a 
found sovereign. 

[Puts revolver on table. 

karl, embarrassed 

I give found money away. 

[Turns on couch from him. 
[73] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

I would have given it away, but— it slipped 
through my fingers, and whatever slips through 
our fingers, that is just the one thing we want. 

[Goes to KARL. 
We break our necks for it: that's human 
nature. And if it once slips through your fin- 
gers, you will run after your found sovereign. 
And then, when it is too late, you will discover 
it was worth having. 

KARL 

To draw a revolver for a found sovereign? 

devil, sitting by him 
[And that little woman will become dearer and 
more precious to you every day — you will 
realize that she could have given you wings — 
that her temperament, her beauty, her passion, 
would have been the inspiration of your work — ■ 
all this you'll realize when she has slipped away. 
You could have become a master — a giant ! 
Not by loving your art, but by loving her — but 
you won't know it till it is too late — too late. 
[He now takes the shawl with which olga 
had draped her shoulders. 
This shawl has touched her bosom — 

[Throws one end over karl's shoulder, 
forcing him to see it. karl clasps the 
shawl and touches his lips to it. 
Think what you might have been to one an- 

[74] 



THE DEVIL 

other ! What divine happiness, not because she 
is beautiful — no, but because you — 

karl, throws shawl L. of couch 

Be quiet! Be quiet! Do you want to drive me 
mad? 

devil, rises and goes to head of couch 

A life that has not been squandered — has not 
been lived — 

KARL 

Why do you tell me all this? Why? What do 
you want? 

[Throws himself face down on couch. 
What do you want? 

[Horrified, turns to him. 
Who sent you? 

devil, darkly 

Nobody! No one! I am here. 

[Touches karl's forehead. 

KARL 

No ! And a thousand times no. 

[Throws himself face down again on couch. 
Screams very loud. 
No ! Do you hear me ? No ! I have known her 
[75] 



THE DEVIL 

all these years, and we've been good friends 
only — and we'll remain good friends, nothing 
else. I don't want the found sovereign ! 
[Moving to end of couch. 

devil, coming down L. of couch; very emphat- 
ically 
And if it slips away? 

[Silence. Then quickly: 
If another man runs away with it — ? 

karl, suddenly jumping at a conclusion 

Who? 

[Looks at the devil. 

devil, triumphant 
I. (Silence.) 

KARL 

You? 

[Laughs and turns from him. 

DEVIL 

Tonight ! This very night she'll be mine ! 
[Laughs. 
Oh, what joy! What exquisite joy. For ten 
thousand years I have had no prettier mis- 
tress ! 

[76] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, turning to him 
What do you say? 

devil, sitting L. head of couch 

Mistress, I said. Come tonight — to her house — 
when the lights are burning — when the air 
seems to be filled with music and perfume. 
You'll see — before day dawns. 



Enough ! Enough ! 



KARL 



DEVIL 



How you will run after your lost sovereign ! 
Every hour when you wonder where she is, she 
spends with me. A carriage passes : your 
heart stands still. Who's in that carriage? 
Shall I tell you? We! You see a couple van- 
ish around a corner, clinging lovingly to one 
another. Who were they? We! Always we. 
A light goes out in some window. Who put 
that light out ? We ! We sit in every carriage, 
we vanish around every corner — clinging lov- 
ingly together; we stand behind every window 
curtain in close embrace, looking into your tor- 
tured face, your maddened eyes — and we cling 
closer — closer — and we laugh — we laugh! 
[Laughs long. 

[77] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

[Throws himself face down, back to audi- 
ence, on couch, in terrible state of excite- 
ment, screaming at top of his voice: 
You fiend ! 

[Reaches for revolver with R. hand. 
devil grabs his hand and holds revolver. 
kabl draws away and sits staring straight 
ahead, devil rises, leaves revolver on 
table, lights cigarette, then comes below 
table. 

[heinrich enters the room noiselessly, 
carrying a lighted candle, goes behind the 
devil and helps him to put his fur 
coat on. 

[devil puts his silk hat on, gives a tip to 
heinrich, takes up the revolver, puts it 
into his pocket, and says to karl with a 
sad smile, in a warm tone like a father 
speaking to his son: 

devil 
You see, my boy, one may draw a revolver for a 
lost sovereign. 

[Goes to the door. As he opens the door, 
a look of devilish satisfaction comes into 
his eyes. 

CURTAIN 

[78] 



ACT II 



Scene. — A conservatory in Zanden's house. The 
L. side of the stage as well as the whole back of 
the stage is taken up by large bay windows, 
through which one sees into the garden. In 
the distance the wall surrounding the house, and 
some trees in the garden. It is winter. Bright 
weather, but it has been snowing. In the garden 
as well as in the street, electric lamps. On the 
R. side of the stage there are two doors, one quite 
near to the footlights, leading into the apart- 
ment — one in the rear, leading to the hall. There 
is a platform about two yards long and two yards 
wide, between these two doors. Five steps lead 
from this platform towards the footlights, and 
five steps on the side of the platform to the mid- 
dle of the stage. On the top of the platform a 
door leading to the ball-room. When this door 
is opened, one generally hears the ball music. At 
the foot of the stairs, about three yards from the 
footlights, two square columns having a brass 
ornament with eight electric lamps attached. 
There are heaps of plants and flowers about the 
room. Two chairs and a table stand on the R. 
[79] 



THE DEVIL 

side of the stage, about three yards from the foot- 
lights, two chairs and a table on the L. side of the 
stage, about five yards from the footlights. 
There are two settees, L. and R. On the table L. 
writing material. It is about one o'clock at night. 

[Guests in fancy costumes are moving 

about as the Curtain goes up. 



first lady guest, sitting L. of table R. 

Who is the dark man you left so suddenly in the 
ball room? 



second lady guest, enters and comes down 
stairs to back of table L. 

I don't know his name. 



first lady guest 
A most disagreeable man. 

second lady guest, crosses to group L. C. 

Oh, dreadful ! He behaved shockingly to my hus- 
band. He told him that it will be so cold to- 
night that his teeth will shiver in their box. 

first lady guest 

Olga tells me he is a friend of Herr Karl's, and 

she only invited him as a compliment to him. 

[80] 



THE DEVIL 

SECOND LADY GUEST (stout) 

He insisted on telling me of a remedy for obesity. 
I don't consider myself stout — do you? 

elsa, C., laughingly 
No ! I think I'm just right. He sounds interest- 
ing — I'd like to meet him. 

EIRST LADY GUEST 

You'll be sorry if you do. 

ELSA 

Oh, indeed. 

SECOND LADY GUEST 

He'll be very disagreeable, I assure you. 

EISA 

I'm not afraid of him. 

[Wants to go up steps. 

FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST, L. C. 

Miss filsa, I really think you had better not. 

SECOND LADY GUEST 

If Miss Elsa wants to speak to him let her do so. 
I think she is the only one really capable of 
putting him in his place. 

third lady guest, seated L. of table R. 
Oh, she'll make him sit up. 
[81] 



THE DEVIL 

ELS A 

Thanks, awfully. Oh, I know what you call me — 
the blue-stocking — sassy Elsa — 

SECOND LADY GUEST 

Elsa, I never said you were a blue-stocking. 

FIRST LADY GUEST 

I never called you Sassy Elsa. 

ELSA 

But I am — you know I am — 
[Pointing at herself. 
That's why nobody dares to tell me how to get 
thin. 

SECOND LADY GUEST 

The impertinence ! 

ELSA 

Well — you asked for it. 

SECOND LADY GUEST, to FIRST LADY GUEST 

It will serve her right if — 

elsa, on the stairs 

I'd just like to see him — 

[The devil is standing in front of her. 
Everybody is silent. 
[82] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, in evening dress, red carnation in button- 
hole; after some silence 
I never dreamed how quiet it could be when seven 
ladies are not talking. 

[Protesting movement on the part of the 

GUESTS. 

Oh, I know — you have been very merciful to me 
in my absence. 

elsa, on stairs 
You needn't think I am afraid to say what I think 
to your face. I was just about to — 

[She makes a movement showing that she 
wanted to look for him. 

DEVIL 

You did well to stay. They would have said much 
worse things about you — they would have 
spoken about your approaching engagement to 
Karl. 

ELSA 

What! 

[Astonished^ 
You know? 

DEVIL 

To my friend Karl — they want to throw you 
into his arms. 

[The others laugh. 
[In a low voice to elsa: 
I'd like to speak to you — alone. 
[83] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

Here ? 

[Gesture that she thinks this impossible in 
a crowded room, 

DEVIL 

We'll be alone in no time. 

[els a goes to sofa and sits L. of table L. 

fourth lady guest, crosses to him; to DEVIL 

I'm very glad you spoke that way to Elsa. You 
have quite won me over, and I don't mind tell- 
ing you I came very near having to pick a bone 
with you. 

DEVIL, R. C, to FOURTH LADY GUEST, who is 

very thin — looking at her from head to foot 
By the way, speaking of bones — 

FOURTH LADY GUEST 

What ! Again ! — oh ! 

[Walks off highly offended. 

first gentleman guest, very effeminate, 
smiling to the devil 

Bravo ! I couldn't do that — not that I lack cour- 
age. I am famous for my courage — I just love 
a fight — I once slapped the face of an athlete 
who dared to insult a lady. 
[84] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

You coward! 

FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST 

What — -coward ? 

DEVIIi 

Yes, coward. If you dared to slap the face of a 
cripple I might admire your courage. 

[FIRST GENTLEMAN GUEST starts to 

answer, but afterwards makes a gesture 
seeming to say nothing can be done with 
the devil — going off slowly up the stairs. 

second gentleman guest, after a few sec- 
onds talking quietly to the devil 
Oh-h-h! You are a free-thinker. So am I! 

devil, as if astonished 
You think? 

SECOND GENTLEMAN GUEST 

I do. 

DEVIL 

What with? 

[Exit second gentleman guest, an- 
grily. 

[To second lady guest, the stout one, 
seated R. of table L. 
[85] 



THE DEVIL 

A pity you don't dance — there's nothing like it 
for reducing the figure. 

[second lady guest rushes off. 

devil, L. to the third lady guest, pointing 

at FOURTH 

Her husband must be in the furniture business. 

THIRD LADY GUEST 

Yes, who told you? 

DEVIL 

Her dress — it is the very latest pattern for arm- 
chairs and settees — but please don't say I 
said so. 

THIRD LADY GUEST, smiling 

Certainly not. 

[Goes to chair of first lady guest. 
Jane — 

devil, joins elsa. To elsa 
Look — she's telling her. 

THIRD LADY GUEST, to FIRST LADY GUEST 

But promise me not to be angry. 

DEVIL 

She promises. 

[86] 



THE DEVIL 

FIRST LADY GUEST 

I promise. 

THIRD LADY GUEST 

He said that — 

DEVIL 

Look out for the explosion. 

FIRST LADY GUEST, HseS 

Oh, I never — 

DEVIL 

Now — watch her go. 

FIRST LADY GUEST 

I never! 

[Goes of over the staircase. 

third lady guest, going after her 

But, Jane, you promised me — 
[Exit. 

DEVIL 

Voila! I am now at your disposal. 

elsa, on settee L. 

Aren't you surprised / haven't gone? You in- 
sulted me, too. I only stay because I want to 
speak to vou. 

[87] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, L. C, ironically 
Charmed, I'm sure. 

ELSA 

Oh, don't try to be polite — just be yourself. I'm 
not afraid of you. 

DEVIL 

I know it. 

elsa, crosses up to C. 

Perhaps you know my nickname — Saucy Elsa? 
[devil nods his head. 

DEVIL 

Yes. 

ELSA 

Politeness would only embarrass me — and I have 
chosen you to deliver a message to that crowd 
— only because you can be so delightfully rude. 

DEVIL 

I am at your entire disposal. 

ELSA 

Now, how can I be saucy when you talk like 
that? 

[88] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

I am your devoted servant. 

ELSA 

You're impossible. 

DEVIL 

Shall we end this conference? 
[devil starts up C. 

elsa, goes to table R. C. and leans against it 
Not yet, please. You informed me just now that 
I am the girl they want to throw into the arms 
of your friend Karl. 

I 

DEVIL 

Yes. 

ELSA 

You forget to say I am the girl who allows her- 
self to be thrown in your friend's arms. Is that 
right ? 

DEVJL 

Yes. 

els a, stands and pushes forward chair 
Please sit down. 

[devil bows, but remains standing. 

elsa, in a very loud voice. Crosses and sits 
Please sit down. I don't ask you out of polite- 
ness, but because I want to set you right in 
[89] 



THE DEVIL 

this matter — and it is much easier for me to 
set you right when you sit down and I stand 
up. I don't want people to make fun of me — I 
know what they say — do you understand me? 

devil, gets up 
I do. 

ELSA 

Sit down, please. {He does so.) I don't want 
people to smile and congratulate me to my face, 
and laugh behind my back. I won't have it — 
and as you started this subject I shall entrust 
you with the mission of enlightening our friends 
out there. 

DEVIL 

Your confidence honors me. 

ELSA 

Don't think for a moment that I have taken these 
people seriously — I have no more interest in 
them than I have for yesterday's newspaper. 
But I don't choose to have them think that they 
have fooled me into marrying Karl. And — 

devil, starts to rise. She stops him 
Pardon me. 

ELSA 

I see through their scheme. But I shall marry 
him just the same, if he will have me. Do you 
understand me? I shall marry him — 
[90] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Pardon me. I don't think you will. 



ELSA 



You will see. 



DEVIL 

You have been kind enough to honor me with your 
confidence, and now I will be quite frank with 
you. This marriage cannot come off. 
[Stands up. 

elsa, points to chair 
Please sit down. 

devil, takes her hands and swings her into chair 
No ! You will sit down now because I am going 
to set you right. I know the reason of this 
marriage — but you — 

[A man servant crosses stage; devil 

calls him. 
You will find in my overcoat a small leather 
satchel — bring it here. 

[man servant goes off. 

[Continuing to elsa : 
But you don't know the reason — or you don't 
want to know it. And you are about to con- 
sent to — 

elsa, interrupting 
To what? To marry a man who is not madly in 
love with me — any more than I am with him. 
[91] 



THE DEVIL 

What of it ? We are two perfectly sane people 
about to make a serious contract with our eyes 
wide open, instead of blinded by infatuation 
like crazy lovers in magazine stories. What 
other contract made by crazy people would be 
valid for one minute — and this is for a life- 
time — 

[Enter servant and hands bag to devil 

and exits. ? 

devil, smiling 
True — for a lifetime. 

ELSA 

You are a man of the world? 

devil, gravely 
Of many worlds. 

ELSA 

[Looks up quickly as if about to ask the 
devil what he means, but checks herself 
and continues: 
Well, in this world — is it the man chooses the 
woman, or the woman who chooses the man? 

devil, smiling 
We are the weaker sex. 

ELSA 

Answer me! Which chooses? 
[92] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

The man sometimes chooses the engagement 
ring — 

els a, holding up her head proudly , and looking 

her very prettiest, straight into his eyes 
Look at me, please. 

[The devil looks into her eyes. 

els a, proudly 
Now tell me, can I or can I not choose the man I 
will marry? 

devil, leaning on table R., in a courtly manner 
It is written in your eyes — but — I never thought 
this subject would excite you so. 

els a, seated L. of him, with animation 
I won't be laughed at — I don't care what those 
people think {becoming excited). I know what 
I am doing, and in spite of everything / choose 
to become his wife. 

devil, takes out little red satchel and opens it 
Why? 

elsa, beginning to lose control of herself 
Because — because — 
[Breaks down. 
— because I love him. 

[Begins to sob bitterly. 
[93] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Allow me — 

[Takes a little handkerchief out of the 

satchel and gives it to her. 
I always carry this with me — it's my weeping 
satchel — everything a woman needs for weep- 
ing. 

elsa, weeps a little harder; sobbing, wiping her 
eifes with the handkerchief 

I love him. 

[During the following dialogue the devil 
takes out of the weeping satchel a little 
looking-glass, small comb, powder and puff, 
and gives her one after another. 

k 
DEVIL 

And this is Saucy Elsa ! 

ELSA 

No. Until tonight I was a young girl afraid of 
nobody — now I feel like an old woman. 

[Takes mirror. 
What am I to do? 

[Looks, smiles quickly. 

DEVIL 

Don't be discouraged. You will have to fight — 
you must attack the enemy. But first you must 
be pretty. 

[94] 



THE DEVIL 

elsa, takes puff and powder from him 

I shall try to. 

r Reaches out for it. 

DEVIL 

You must show a bold front — you will perhaps 
feel that it is hard for a young girl to fight a 
woman — your weapons are not quite so numer- 
ous as those of the married woman — who knows 
love already — who understands — may I say 
something shocking? 

[During this speech elsa hands back or 
the devil takes all the articles except the 
handkerchief. 

elsa, looks at him, opening her eyes widely 

Do you ever say anything that isn't? 
[Gives him handkerchief, rises. 

DEVIL 

Well, I won't. But remember, you have one 
weapon which will deal the death blow to the 
most attractive woman — to the woman who 
knows every card in the game of love — that 
one weapon is purity. 

ELSA 

This sounds strange from you! 
[95] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

All the same — it may do you some good. And 
now — go dance with Karl — but don't try to be 
a woman, be a girl. Don't try to be saucy. 

ELSA, L. C. 

I'm not really saucy — I'm afraid it's only a 
pose — 



DEVIL 

Jion't pose. Be yourself — be bashful — look at 
the young man as if you were only waiting for 
a pirate to steal you away from girl-land—^ 
and show you the way into Woman's Land. 
Head high, my little girl — that's it — and if 
anybody dares to call you saucy again, tell him 
that you once met a gentleman at a ball to 
whom you thought to give a piece of your 
mind, that would make him feel very, very 
small — and instead you left with a piece of his 
mind, that wade you feel very, very small — and 
made him feel — as if he were the greatest 
pcoundrel in the world — 

[Taking a few steps to the footlights. 
which perhaps he is. 

[elsa goes up the stairs, when karl ap- 
pears on the top of the stairs, devil is 
standing at this moment behind one of the 
[ 96 ] 



6 




7 



8 -I 






10 % 



\\% 



Elsa and Karl 



THE DEVIL 

columns unseen by kael — but quite near 
iLSA. elsa turns towards the devil, 
showing her bach to karl. 

ELSA 

So you don't want me to be saucy? 

devil, whispering 
No. 

[elsa goes up one step. 

karl, on top step 
0h r Elsa, there you are ! 

elsa, dropping her eyelids 
Yes. 

KARL 

Why aren't you in the ball-room? 

ELSA 

I wanted to be alone. If anybody wants me he 
can find me. 

[To devil, whispers: 
Is that better? 

KARL 

You look sad. Are you worried? 

devil, whispering fo elsa 
Say no. 

[97] 



No. 



THE DEVIL 
elsa, leaning against pillar R. 



karl, coming down 
What has happened? 

[Sees the devil, devil comes from be- 
hind pillar between them, meets karl on 
lower step. 
Oh, I understand — 

devil, finishing karl's sentence 
— nothing. 

[Goes up stairs. 

karl, nearing elsa 
You look lovely, Elsa. Do you know, this pensive 
air is very becoming to you — you've always 
been so cold and — haughty — it's like finding a 
little white flower under the deep snow; you 
want to pick it up and kiss it — 

[Takes both of elsa's hands in his. 
This is the Elsa for me! 

elsa, ashamed 
Karl! 

devil 
You will excuse me. I must pay my respects to 
our hostess. 

[He goes of quickly, karl and elsa sit 
down on the L. side of the stage. 
[98] 



THE DEVIL 

EISA 

I don't like that man. Who is he? 
[Sits R. of table L. 

kabl, sits on sofa L. 

A casual acquaintance who insists upon posing as 
my friend. Don't let us talk about him. I'm 
glad I found you here — something natural in 
this stifling artificial atmosphere. Doesn't it 
seem close to you? 

ELSA 

Yes, as if some hot wind had passed through these 
rooms — it seems to take my breath away. 



KARL 

I've never heard you speak like that before. Why 
have you tried to hide — your real self from me ? 
[devil appears on the platform, with 
olga. They come down the steps. 



OLGA 

Hadn't we better leave the young couple alone? 

DEVIL 

You are much too considerate. 
[99] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA, tO KARL 

Olga — I suppose you'd like to speak to her? 

KARL 

I much prefer to talk to you. 
[They continue talking. 
[devil and olga come down. She sits 
on sofa R., devil in chair R. 

OLGA 

They seem to have found each other. 

DEVIL 

Possibly. Are you sorry? 

OLGA 

Oh, no. 

DEVIL 

Shall we leave? 

OLGA 

No, I like to see my plan bearing fruit. 
[They continue speaking slowly. 

ELSA 

They are speaking about us. 

KARL 

What do we care ? Let's be happy — Elsa ! I feel 

as if I had never known you before tonight. 

[100] 



THE DEVIL 

els a, moves chair so she can hide olga from 
karl. devil repeats business 

Why do you keep looking over there? 

KARL 

Oh, that's only — I was quite unconscious — 
[They continue speaking slowly. 

OLGA 

Let's talk about something else. You are very 
naughty. You have come here in spite of my — 

devil, smiling 

Invitation. I would have respected your wish but 
for one very good reason — I made a bold wager 
this afternoon. 

OLGA 

What? 

DEVIL 

I made a bet that you would fall in love with me 
this evening. 

OLGA 

Made a bet that / would fall in love with you? 
And with whom did you bet? 

DEVIL 

Karl. 

[101] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

Karl? (Quickly.) And what did he say? 

DEVIL 

His answer was curious. I had better not tell 
you — I am afraid it would hurt you. 

OLGA 

No, it won't. Please tell me. 

[Turns and looks at karl. 

devil, following her glance 

Well, perhaps later. Your little plan bids fair to 
succeed. 

olga, looking away quickly 

I had forgotten their existence. 

[Changing quickly the conversation. 
[devil pats olga's hands. 
You have fascinating eyes. 

[During the following few words between 
elsa and kael, the devil whispers into 
the ear of olga, stroking her hand gently 
in order to arouse karl's jealoi 

KARL 

I never saw you look so charming. 
[102] 



THE DEVIL 



ELSA 



I feel as if I had changed, perhaps you have some- 
thing to do with it. 



DEVIL 

You seem like a different woman this evening — 
there is something about you — 

OLGA 

It is because I am with somebody I don't quite 
understand — but who seems to me a man in 
every sense of the word. 

[This last a little louder, for karl's 

benefit. 

DEVIL 

Your confession is charming. But I should be 
more ready to believe it, if you hadn't made it. 
[devil hisses olga's hand. 

KARL 

Our first love is generally our last, but our last 
love always our first — don't you think so? 

ELSA 

I don't know. I've never been really in love be- 
fore — but have twice been disillusionized. 
[103] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Love at first sight — 

[The following eight sentences are spoken 
very rapidly, almost at the same time. 

olga, distraite 

You are right — for the first sight — that is to 
say— 

KARL 

[Now always looking at olga — olga 
always looking at karl; the devil look- 
ing pleased, els a looking furious. 
Disillusions — well — yes, disillusions are — disillu- 
sions. 

DEVIL 

I should hate to have to give an account of myself^ 

OLGA 

Yes, indeed — but, of course — it's all a matter of 
taste. 

ELSA 

The way girls are brought up nowadays — 

KARL 

Exactly! Our bringing up — that is — I mean to 
say — of course — of course. 
[104] 



THE DEVIL, 



OLGA 



We mustn't forget- 



KARL 

I quite agree with you — if — if you know what I 
mean. 

elsa, getting up quickly and slapping her hand 
on the table 

No, I don't know what you mean. 
[Crosses to stairs. 
Take me to the ball-room — I'm engaged for the 
next dance. 

kael, also rising 
Well — 

elsa, almost crying, insisting 

Let us go — I wish to go — 

[She goes towards the stairs; karl fol- 
lows her, goes up side stairs, meeting her 
at the top as she passes olga. 

olga 
Oh ! you are not in the ball-room. 

elsa, saucily 
Can't you see? 

[105] 



THE DEVIL 



OLGA 

You'd better hurry, dear. 

ELSA 

I hate dancing, but I shan't miss one single dance 
tonight, just to spite some people. I shall 
dance to the last step. 

[elsa looks at olga in a very imperti- 
nent way. olga steps forward as if to 
give a reply, when karl comes between 
them; offers his arm to elsa. 
[Exit elsa and karl up the staircase. 

olga, angry 
Did you hear that? 

DEVIL 

I did. 

olga, rises, goes C. 

What language! How dare she — she must think 
he loves her! 

devil, rises, goes to her C. 
Wait! I'll tell you now what Karl said to me 
this afternoon. 



olga 
When you wanted to bet? 

[106] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

When I bet you would fall in love with me. 
[After a short silence. 
He wanted to shoot me. 

OLGA, trying to hide her joy 
Karl! 

DEVIL 

Karl, with his own hands — with this pistol — 
[Takes revolver out of his pocket. 
I took it away from him. 

OLGA 

Karl wanted to kill you — why, Doctor Miller — 

devil, patting revolver 
Yes, with this simple prescription — six pills. 
[Puts revolver back in pocket. 

OLGA 

This afternoon, when you only spoke about me — 
he wanted to kill you — and now when he saw us 
here — saw you whisper in my ear — saw you 
take my hand — 

[Goes L. to where karl and elsa had sat. 
he must be in love with her. 

devil, crossing to L. C. 
Don't you think a man's a fool to try to shoot his 
friend on account of a woman? 
[107] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

Oh! Karl's not a fool — he thinks the world of 
me. And you must have said things — but there 
is no doubt — that he and Elsa — like — perhaps 
love each other. 

devil, very cold, leaning over chair at table L. 

Strange ! Your being so annoyed at the apparent 
success of your pet scheme. 

OLGA 

You think it will succeed? 

DEVIL 

I don't know. But it's easy enough to find out. 

OLGA 

How? 

DEVIL 

This afternoon, when I told him I'd make you fall 
in love with me, he wanted to shoot — that's 
love — don't talk to me about respect — i 
and thinking the world- of you — they may 
fire cannons out of respect, but pistols — nO — 
that's love every time. 

[olga protesting silently as if the matter 
was not quite important enough. 
Of course, I know — this only interests you be- 
[108] 



THE DEVIL 

cause it was you who planned the marriage, 
and after all you take a pride in the success of 
your scheme. Am I right? 

olga, C. near him 
Yes, yes. 

devil, behind pillar C. 

Karl shall tell us himself which was the real thing 
— the attempted murder of this afternoon, or 
this little — flirtation with Elsa. 

OLGA 

You don't mean to ask him — 

[devil shakes his head slowly, smiling. 
you don't mean to listen? 

DEVIL 

Certainly not. 

OLGA 

What then? 

DEVIL 

Very simple. But you must take my advice un- 
conditionally — ask for no reasons — do exactly 
what I tell you. 

olga, after careful reflection, slowly 
Y-e-s. 

[109] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

I think I remember having seen you once at the 
Opera in a very beautiful cloak — fur — was it 
not? — and cloth — 

OLGA 

Yes. 

DEVIL 

With a long train? You must put that cloak 
on — close it as high as you can — and wrap 
yourself in it as if you were feeling cold. Only 
show the tips of your shoes — then come back 
here — 

[She starts towards him. olga looks at 
the devil, as if she wanted to ash the 
reason. 
no questions. 

olga, L. of pillar C. 
It's all very, very mysterious, but when you look 
at me that way, I — I — can't refuse. . . your 
eyes seem to have all the world's wisdom behind 
them. 

devil, R. of pillar C. 
You have a poor opinion of me. 

olga, turns from him 
Shall I go at once? 

[110] 



THE DEVIL 



DEVIL 

At once. And if anyone remarks on it, say you 
felt cold in the conservatory. 

o l g a, doubtfully 
But suppose he says. . . 

devil, interrupting 
Quick! He's coming. 

[kael is coming down the stairs towards 
the footlights. 

[olga has gone to the side stairs so that 
karl cannot see her. She rushes off when 
he is down the stairs. 

KARL 

[Who has not seen her — hears the rustling 
of the silk and runs to the side stairs and 
looks off R. 
Who was that? 

devil 
Who? 

karl, coming down to C. 
Somebody just ran out — does she want to 
avoid me? 

devil, goes R. t lights cigarette 
Nobody ran away from me. A very pretty girl, 
Miss Elsa! 

[in] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, goes to window L. 
Yes. 

[Silence. 

DEVIL 

What's the matter? 

KARL 

Oh, nothing — I am not in particularly good 
humor — but why should I be? 

devil, lights a cigarette; offers one to karl 
Will you have one? 

karl, roughly 
No, thank you. 

[Uncomfortable silence. 

DEVIL 

You seem annoyed — 

karl, comes bach C, as if in a mood to quarrel 
Do you want to know why? 

DEVIL 

No. 

karl, nervous 
Well, I'll tell you— 

DEVIL 

[As if he wanted to go away and evade 
the conversation. 
Better keep it to yourself. 

[112 1 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

But I will tell you. I'm astonished at the change 
that has come over you since this afternoon. I 
admit it upsets me, but don't imagine it is on 
Olga's account — if you don't mind, we'll leave 
her out of the discussion. 

DEVIL 

By all means. 

KARL 

I've made up my mind to propose to Elsa. 

devil, holds out his hand in an approving tone, 

takes karl's hand and shakes it 
I am very, very glad. 

KARL 

You are glad? 

DEVIL 

I am indeed. 

[karl stares at him. 
What's the matter with you? 

karl, approaching the devil threateningly 
Look here, that was Olga who ran away just now. 

DEVIL 

Don't be absurd. 

[Looking at floor as if his secret was dis- 
covered. 
Why should she run away from me — 
[113] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

You behave like a school boy. 

DEVIL 

What do you mean? 

KARL 

I mean, my dear Doctor — that you are not a 
gentleman. 

DEVIL 

I don't quite follow you. 

KARL 

When a gentleman would be discreet — he even 
conceals his discretion. 

DEVIL 

Very thoughtless of me — but since you have 
found me out — By the way, what you said 
about your marriage — is it settled? 

KARL, C. 

It is. 

DEVIL 

You will not change your mind? 

KARL 

I shall not. 

[Crosses to settee L. and sits. 
[114] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, sits in chair L. 
Very good. Now I can tell you in confidence 
about — look here, you are quite sure you won't 
change your mind? 

KARL 

No fear. What is it you want to tell me — tell me 
everything. I'd like to learn some of the tricks 
of the trade. I may need them — 

DEVIL 

Tricks of the trade? This from a man about to 
marry? I'm shocked. 

karl, ironically 
You look it. What did you want to tell me about 
her? 

DEVIL 

About her? 

KARL 

About Olga. 

devil, looks to the ground as if he were ashamed 
Oh, nothing. 

KARL 

Look here, I don't mind telling you her husband 
is — 

[115] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVI*, 

Deaf, blind, dumb. 

[Indicating ears, eyes, mouth and forehead. 

karl, concealing his pain very badly 
And to think — and this afternoon — at my hou?e — 
was the first time — 

devil, goes bach of settee 

She's a wonder! believe me, Karl, she's a wonder. 
It's just possible she's good — a dash of good- 
ness won't hurt a pretty woman — but I hope 
not. I should then have to attribute my con- 
quest to hypnotism — and that doesn't natter 
my vanity. What do you think? We had 
agreed — just now when she ran away — ah — 
[Checks himself. 

So it was Olga! 

DEVIL 

Well, yes, it was — I hardly know how to tell you — 
It was a mad impulse. I proposed, just for 
fun, without the least idea she would take it up ; 
it means risking her reputation and social posi- 
tion — everything — not to mention the risk of 
catching cold — 

[116] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, startled 
What do you mean? 

DEVIL 

Well, this evening — before all her guests — there 
are a hundred and thirty I believe — 

karl, impatient 
Yes, go on. 

DEVIL 

— before the elite of Vienna I may say — she will 
walk through the ball-room on my arm — in 
{suggestive pause) — an opera cloak. 

karl, not quite grasping it 
An opera cloak? 

devil, suggestively 
That's all. 

KARL 

You mean to tell me — she — 

DEVIL 

She will be here in a moment — and then — before 
all Vienna — amid the bacchanalian ecstasy — of 
music, perfume, dancing — I will escort her 
through the ball-room like a classic goddess — 
like a modern Mona Vanna — in an opera cloak — 

[ 117 1 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

You liar! 

devil, apparently frightened 
But, Karl— 

KARL 

It's a lie. It's a damnable lie. 

DEVIL 

You tried to catch me — and I have caught you. 
You love this woman. 

earl, L. C, very loudly 
Yes, I love her. I have listened to all your 
lies — I have seen you as I've seen a hundred like 
you — steal a good woman's reputation and call 
it success, social success — and boast about it as 
you drag her in the mud. You have trapped 
me, it's true — but you will suffer for it. It is 
my turn now — and I'll put you out of this 
house, you blackguard — get out before I kick 
you out. 

devil, C. backs up onto second step; stands 
Wait ! She is coming now. 

[Points to door down R. 

KARL 

Get out, I said. 

[The devil goes back slowly up the stairs. 
karl is about to follow him up as devil 
[118] 



THE DEVIL 

is on third step, olga comes on in her 
opera cloak and comes down stairs to R. 
The devil goes behind her. karl backs 
over L. Long silence, karl stares at 
olga and the devil, speechless. 



OLGA 

Karl, you have not spoken to me once tonight. 

devil, stands very near to olga, cynically 
The opera cloak — 

OLGA 

Everybody is gay, the girls dance as if it were 
their first ball — the young men as if it were 
their last. 

DEVIL 

Strange ! that amidst all this gaiety Karl should 
be so sad. 

OLGA 

Sad? 

karl, with forced gaiety 

Oh, no — never felt happier in my life. 
[119] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

I am glad to hear it. 

KARL 

I feel like — like a boy — of twenty — like a fool. 

devil, coming down to C. 
No! No! 

KARL 

I am going to take your advice from this on — I'm 
going to get drunk tonight. 

olga, shocked 
You, Karl? You drunk? 

KARL, L. 
Yes. I am doing things today that I never did 
before. I've never been engaged before. 

olga, R. 
Am] tonight? 

KARL 

Tonight I shall become engaged. 

DEVIL 

I have already offered him my congratulations — 
she's a charming girl. 

[120] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

A splendid girl. Much too good for me — but 
marrying is something new to me — I want to 
try it. It is a sensation I have never had. 

DEVIL 

You don't seem very gay for a bridegroom. 

KARL 

That's only the last drop of single bitterness — 
the dregs of bachelorhood — I'll soon get rid 
of that and then — 

OLGA 

Bravo, bravo! 

KARL 

Oh spare yourself. I'm only thinking of my own 
pleasure. 

OLGA 

Karl, I am afraid you have been drinking already. 

KARL 

You are at liberty to think what you please. 

DEVIL 

He is in a bad humor to-day. I told you. 
[121] 



THE DEVIL 

karl, cannot keep himself any longer 

You will catch cold. Why don't you take off your 
cloak ? 

[Goes C. 

devil, very quiet 
Perhaps Madame is feeling cold. 

o l g a, wrapping herself tighter in her cloak 
Yes, I feel cold. 

DEVIL 

Any one not knowing you might think you wear this 
cloak just to show it off. 

OLGA 

Don't let us speak about the cloak. 

[To karl in a different tone; crosses to 

KARL L. C. 

You seemed to get on very well with Elsa? 

KARL 

Did I? 

DEVIL 

It was really charming to watch them. 



OLGA 

I feel very cold. 

[122] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

I thought you would. 

KARL 

Cold. I find it hot in here. 

o l g a, crosses back R. 
I feel cold. 

DEVIL 

Perhaps your dress is thin. The way lovely woman 
flirts with pneumonia — she wears her lung upon 
her sleeve. 

OLGA 

Everything sweet in life comes through carelessness. 

karl, X. C, very excited 
And do you find boldness sweet? 

OLGA 

What's that to you ? Were you ever bold ? 

karl, crosses to C, losing his self-control com- 
pletely 
Aren't you afraid of me — you two ? 
[o l g a shivers. 

devil, R. C, coldly 
I ?* Not even of the legitimate husband — much less 
a moralising bridegroom. 

[herman enters quickly from above stairs, 
comes down L., stands next to karl. 
[ 123 ] 



THE DEVIL 

Herman, banteringly 
Ah, Olga! I see you are well taken care of. 

devil, towing 
It is a privilege. 

Herman, taking kael aside 

Well, how are you and Elsa getting along ? 

[Goes with karl towards the back of the 
stage. 

olga, quickly to the devil 

What have you said to him about my cloak ? 

DEVIL 

About your cloak? Why should I speak of your 

cloak ? 

olga 
You must have said something about my cloak— I 

felt it he moment I came in. 

DEVIL 

What do you mean ? 

OLGA 

The way he seemed to look through me. It was al- 
most as if he imagined — what did you say ? What 
did }ou insinuate? 

DEVIL 

Just what you are thinking. 
[124] 



THE DEVIL 

olga, her hands dropping, her head falling back- 
wards with closed eyes, shivering 
Oh! How could you? 

devil, cynically 
Come now, don't pretend to be shocked. You ad- 
mitted you felt it the moment you came in. The 
thought seemed to please you. 

OLGA 

How dare you speak to me like that! Oh! if I had 
known. 

DEVIL 

Then why didn't you take off your cloak? When 
you saw — you didn't even open it. Why don't 
you open it now ? The idea seems to please you 
still. 

karl, re-enters, angrily. 

Olga! 

OLGA 

[A little scream. 
Your arm, Doctor. 

[devil gives her his arm. As they are 
about to go upstairs, karl comes back from 
R. 

olga, looking coldly over shoulder at k a r l 
Are you going to stay here ? 
[ 125 ] 



THE DEVIL 

KARL 

Yes; and you, too! 

OLGA 

What do you mean ? 

KARL 

You stay here. 

DEVIL 

What's that ? 

[o L g a tries to go away with the devil 
into the ball-room, but k a r l steps into their 
way on the stairs. 

KARL 

Olga, you shall not go into the ball-room! 

[devil, as if about to leave them alone , is 
held off by k a r l, ivho steps in front of him 
now. 

You shall not leave — it concerns you, too. 

OLGA 

Doctor, give me your arm. Doctor! 

karl, in tone of command 
Stop' 

We'll settle this thing now — right here! 
[126] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

Are you mad? 

devil, goes up stairs below KARL 
If I didn't think he was mad — 

KARL 

Take off that cloak. 

olga, at L. foot of stairs firmly; 

No 

KARL 

Take, off that cloak. 

OLGA, to DEVIL 

Please, Doctor, protect me. 

karl, half maddened 
Then I'll make you! 

[karl rushes down stairs, devil catches 
him before he reaches the bottom and holds him 
back. 

olga, standing very ere t, to devil 
Why did you stop him — 

[devil lets k a r l go. 

devil, at foot of stairs, in a very low voice as 

if ashamed 
Really, Madame, for all I know — 
[Feigns embarrassment. 
[ 127 ] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA, to DEVIL 

Will you please help me off with my cloak ? 

devil, starts to help, then crosses to L. of her y 

with gesture of refusal. 
Madame! Ah! 

karl, comes down to her, C. 
I will. 



No. 



olga, very loud 

[Wraps herself closer in the cloak. 
[devil and karl stare at each other. The 
devil shrugs his shoulders, olga goes 
up the stairs. 

Herman, coming through the door 
Oh! There you are. My dear! His Excellency is 
looking for you. He is about to leave. 

o l g A, as if very tired 
All right. Please help me off with my cloak. 

HERMAN 

All right, darling. 

[Takes off her cloak and puts it over his arm. 
[olga stands in the same gown as she had on 
at the beginning of the act, with her back to the 
audience. 

[128] 



THE DEVIL 

olga, looking at k a r l and devil, and speaking 
with ironical courtliness, taking Herman's arm. 
Gentlemen. 

[Exit HERMAN With OLGA. 

[k a r l has been standing on one side of the 
stage as if dreaming, suddenly runs to the 
other side of the stage as if to choke ^devil 
who stands there. 

karl, crossing to d e v i l, L. C. 

What have you done ? 

[devil thrusts revolver into kael's hand. 

DEVIL 

Look out! It's loaded! 

[karl stands absolutely still, holding revolver. 

[To karl, insolently : 
If I hadn't given you that pistol you might have 
slapped my face. Believe me, there's nothing like 
turning the other cheek — if you turn it quickly 
enough — your enemy will miss both cheeks. 

[karl turns away angrily, lays revolver on 

table R. 

[devil goes down and takes revolver from 

table R. 

[karl stands absent-minded, when elsa 

enters with her cloak ready to leave. 

elsa 
Karl, I wanted to say good-bye to you. 
[129] 



THE DEVIL 

k A r l, as if the tone of her voice was awakening him 

Oh! my dear, dear Elsa! 

[About to go towards her to kiss her. 

[The devil comes back and steps between 

them. 

[man servant enters from behind stairs 

and speaks to elsa. 

MANSERVANT 

Your mother is waiting for you in the hall, Fraulein, 

KARL 

May I see you to your carriage? 

[Offers elsa his arm and they go off. 

DEVIL, to MAN SERVANT 

Will you accompany Miss Elsa to her carriage? It 
is slippery outside, she might fall. 

[Exit MAN SERVANT, following KARL 

and elsa. 



o l g a, enters from R., agitated; sits at table L. 
Your scheme was a great success. 

DEVIL 



What are you going to do ? 
[130] 



THE DEVIL 

o l g a, writes on an envelope 
I'm going to write to him. 

devil, crosses to her, reads the envelope 
To Karl — but what will you write ? 

OLGA 

He wanted to settle my account. I will settle his. 
I will never see him again. Oh ! To have thought 
me capable — of . . . How could he ? I despise him ! 

DEVIL 

Pour quoi, Madame ? 

OLGA 

Because — because — 

DEVIL 

Because you love him ? 

olga, frightened 
What! 

[Tries to get her thoughts together. 
After what has happened, I hate him. And I shall 
tell him so. 

DEVIL 

I am very sorry. 

[Takes pen from her. 
[ 181 ] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

Don't be sorry. I have much to thank you for. You 
have rendered me a service. I shall feel better 
when I have sent "this letter off. 

t 

DEVIL 

You'd better make it plain. 

OLGA 

I shall speak my mind — there shall be no mistake. 

DEVIL 

That's it; express your real feelings. 
[With ironical emphasis. 
Cold. Harsh. 

OLGA 

Cold? Harsh? 

DEVIL 

Make an end of it — once for all. 

[Dipping pen. 

olga, taking pen 
Once for all. 

DEVIL 

Now write. 

[olga speaks the first sentence as she writes 
it. At the* word "longey" the devil takes 
[132] 




Dr. Miller ( The Devil) 



THE DEVIL 

it up, finishing the sentence with a different 
meaning, and dictates rest of letter walking up 
and down. 



o l g a, in hard voice, speaks while writing 

Sir, your behavior of this evening has shown me that 
you are no longer — 

devil, continuing 

— able to keep up the wretched farce of mere 
friendship. I read your inmost thought tonight 
and — Karl — the knowledge that you love me has 
made me unspeakably happy. Dearest — 

[o l g a looks up at the dev.il, who is stand- 
ing now at her L. He repeats "Dearest" and 
points to letter. She resumes writing. 
— why should we struggle any longer against the 
resistless tide that is drawing us together? My 
strength is gone. 

[o l g a looks up again. The devil repeats 
"My strength is gone" by motion of lips, 
making no sound. She writes: 
—without you I am lost in the black waters — save 
me, Karl. With your strong arms about me — 
with your lips to mine — I care not where we drift. 
I am yours, all yours. You are the master of my 
soul. Do not leave me, Karl; I love you, I cannot 
live without you. God bless you! 

[olga's head falls forward on her arm 
[133] 



THE DEVIL 

o l g A, as if awakening 
What have I written ? 

devil, folding letter 
What was in your heart! 

o l g a, laughs hysterically 
I have written everything I had meant never to say. 

devil, taking up letter 
If women wrote time tables, they would tell all the 
hours that the trains didn't start and all the places 
you mustn't stop at to get to your destination. 
[devil puts the letter into envelope. 

o l g a, horrified 
What are you doing ? 

devil, coldly 
I will deliver the letter. Women sometimes do not 
write what they want, but they always want what 
they write. 

OLGA 

He must not. He shall not see it. 

[herman comes down stairs 

HERMAN 

Good ! You're the kind of guest I like — when all the 
rest have deserted the ship you stay and keep the 
hostess company. 

[134] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, crosses to C, putting letter into his pocket 
Madame has been so entertaining, that I — 

Herman, crossing to bell R. 

Well, let's have another cognac before you go — quite 
en famille. 

DEVIL 

Thank you very much, but I have an important call 
very early in the morning. Madame, — 
[Goes to o l g a, kisses her hand. 

[To HERMAN: 

I have spent a very pleasant evening at your house. 



Herman, coming to him C, they shake hands 
The pleasure is mine. 

[devil starts to go. olga utters a sup- 
pressed cry. 

DEVIL 

Madame ? 

olga, frightened to death, with a forced smile 
trying to appear undisturbed 

There was a piece of paper here. Did you perhaps 
take it by mistake ? 

[She is almost crying from fright. 
[135] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, coming down stairs, taking the letter out of 
his pocket 

[Going towards HERMANan//ie was going 

to give him the letter. 
Do you mean this ? 

o l g a, deathly fate 
No, no It was not that. 
[Laughing bitterly. 

devil, bowing 
Madame. 

[Bows to Herman. Goes off upstairs. 
Bows low to both and goes out. 

HERMAN Crosses t O O L G A 

Well, I'm glad it's over. You look tired, dearie. 

o l g a, standing by table L. 
I am tired. 

HERMAN 

You look flushed. But it's very becoming, you never 
looked prettier. 

[o l g a is leaning backwards over the table, 

he takes her hand. 
My darling wife. 

[Goes to kiss her. 

o l g a, unkind 
Please, please don't. 

[136] 



THE DEVIL 

Herman, crosses to C. Looks at his watch 
It is after four o'clock, Olga. 
[Tries to kiss her again. 

OLGA 

Please, please don't. I feel so nervous. 

HERMAN 

Your cheeks are burning. 
[Pats her cheeks. 

olga, nervous, impatient 
Please — 

HERMAN 

All right, all right, I'm going. 

[He goes towards the door on the R. 
Are you going to stay here? 

o l g a, at table L. 
Let me rest a minute. 

HERMAN 

As you please. 

[man servant comes in above platform, 
and goes up side stairs. 

olga, to servant 
What do you want ? 

MANSERVANT 

The lights, Madame. 

[137] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

Turn off the lights. 

[The manservant puts all the lights out. 
The lamps in the street and the garden are 
lighted, but the room is dark. 

HERMAN 

It would be wiser to sleep, my dear. 

[He waits a minute, shrugs his shoulders, 
then goes out R. 

olga, stands leaning on the table 

To go to sleep . . . 

[The devil can be seen outside in his fur 
overcoat, crossing through the garden. As he 
passes a lamp in the garden his shadow 
reaching up to the ceiling is thrown on the 
white wall of the room, olga is crossing 
to R. He takes his hat off, at which moment 
she sees the shadow on the wall, olga 
shrieks. 



No! 



[She drops into a chair. 



CURTAIN 



[138] 



ACT III 

S c e n e. — Like Act I. The afternoon of the next 
day, about three o'clock. When the curtain rises, the 
devils seated in a big chair. Bell rings offstage 
R. heinbich enters R. 

devil, rising from chair 
What do you want ? 

HEINRICH 

There is a lady, sir. 

DEVIL 

What kind of a lady ? 

HEINRICH 

A real lady, sir. 

DEVIL 

What does she want ? 

HEINRICH 

She wants to see my master. I told her he was not 
up yet, but she said she would wait. 
[139] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Do you know who the lady is ? Have you seen her 
before ? 

HEINKICH 

Never. 

DEVIL 

Ask her to step in here. 

[heinrich goes off, shcnvs elsa in. 
[devil bows. 
Ah! 

ELSA 

You seem to be everywhere. What are you doing 
here ? Are you his secretary ? 

DEVIL 

No, merely a good friend. Nothing else. I just 
happened in. By the way, how do you do ? 

ELSA 

How do you do ? 

[Crosses to couch, sits. 
I didn't know there was anybody in this room or I 
would not have come in. But as it is only you I 
don't mind. 

[elsa sits down, intentionally turning her 

back to the d E v i l. 

DEVIL 

Karl is expecting you, then ? 
[140] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

Oh, no. 

DEVIL 

Will you permit me to prepare him for this pleasant 
surprise ? 

ELSA 

No, thank you. Don't disturb him. I can look 
around while I'm waiting. I have never been here 
before. 

DEVIL 

I know it. 

ELSA 

Who told you ? 

DEVIL 

The man — a lady might come every day and escape 
notice — but coming for the first time she would be 
sure to attract his attention. 

ELSA 

I feel embarrassed coming here alone 

DEVIL 

I know that, too. 

ELSA 

From the same source ? 

[141] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Yes; he said you were a real lady. 

ELSA 

He is the only one here who has spoken to me like a 
gentleman. 

DEVIL 

He must have thought you were a model. 

elsa, rises; angrily 
How dare you ? 

DEVIL 

A servant can only speak like a gentleman to — his 
equals. 

elsa, sits down again; sarcastically 
Then I was mistaken — it is not Henrich who is the 
servant. 

DEVIL 

Who knows — perhaps he is a clergyman. 

ELSA 

I don't understand you. 

DEVIL 

Only two people in the world may open the door of a 
bachelor's apartment to a young lady — the man 
servant, or a clergyman with a marriage certificate 
— you can take your choice. 
[142] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

Let me tell you I was once left alone with a gentle- 
man who tried to kiss me, and I slapped his face. 

DEVIL 

Indeed ? I was once left alone with a lady who tried 
to slap me and I hissed her face. 
[Enter heinrich. 

elsa, controlling herself with difficulty 
Oh! 

DEVIL 

Heinrich! There's a little leather satchel in the 
pocket of my overcoat. 

[heinrich goes out. 

ELSA 

Don't be afraid. This is not my day for crying. 

DEVIL 

It's when a girl laughs that I'm most afraid. 

[heinrich brings the satchel, puts it on 
the table L. C, and goes into studio. 
Why did you come here ? 

ELSA 

I intend to sit for my portrait — to do that, I must 
come every day. 

[ 143 ] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

You intend to come here every day, and to do that 
you must have your portrait painted. 

ELSA 

You are clever at twisting words. 

DEVIL 

Perhaps you know there is another lady coming every 
day to have her portrait painted ? 

ELSA 

Yes, I know. That's why I want mine painted — 
we'll see which will be the better likeness. 

DEVIL 

Come now — you must let me sit down — this time I 
want you to be right. 

[Raises her and swings her in front of him. 
[devil sits on couch, elsa leans on table. 
Are you aware — 

ELSA 

This is awful — you question me like a judge. 

DEVIL 

It is you who answer like a prisoner. Do you know 
that Karl is in love with Olga? 

elsa, bitterly 
Do I know it! 

[144] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

And you still mean to fight? 

ELSA 

Yes, I mean to fight — you gave me good advice. 

DEVIL 

That was yesterday. 

EISA 

Well — this is to-day. 

devil, impressively 

Yesterday was your winning day. Yesterday it was 
written that you, Elsa, would succeed in whatever 
thing you made up your mind to do, with the whole 
strength of your will. 

ELSA 

Last night I made up my mind to — 

devil, interrupting gravely 

— to dance every dance — 
[Pause 
You danced every dance. 

elsa, defiantly 

Karl asked me to marry him last night. 
[ 145 ] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

— and you refused. 

ELSA 

Yes — but to-day I shall — 

DEVIL 

To-day is not your winning day — yesterday you 
chose — to-day you will have no choice. 

ELSA 

I won't give him up — I can't — I don't know how. 

DEVIL 

You will have to learn — let me see — I think I know 

some one who has learned the lesson and can teach 

it to you — 

[Goes to hall door which he opens. 

Why, Mimi ! Why do you wait out there ? Come 

in here where it's warm! 

[mimi comes in — d evil seats mimi C. He 
regards them both with a satanic smile — begins 
to hum a tune and exits Z., singing as he gets 
out; he laughs — his laugh dies away outside. 

mimi, sitting on small chair C. After a silence 
Are you waiting for the painter, too, Madame ? 

elsa, seated on couch 
Yes. 

[146] 



THE DEVIL 

MIMI 

Yes— 

[Pause. 
He must have been on a spree last night. 

[Smiling. 
When he goes on a spree he always sleeps late. 

e l s a, somewhat embarrassed 
Yes? 

mimi, making conversation 
Yes. If you haven't slept for a long time, then — 
you must sleep a long time. 

ELSA 

Yes? 

MIMI 

Yes. Madame — 
[Silence. 
Is Madame going to have her portrait painted ? 

ELSA 

Yes. 

MIMI 

Yes, Madame — I know all the ladies that come here — 
[Quick look from elsa. 
I'm quite at home here — I'm his model 

[Explaining. 
I don't pay for my portraits. 

[Regarding elsa. 
You have a splendid profile, Madame. 
[147] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

You always say "Madame" — I am not married. 

My name is — 

m i m i, interrupting 
I know your name. I've heard it often. You belong 
to a very rich family. I know what that means, I 
used to be well off, too. I wasn't always obliged 
to work for a living. 

ELSA 

No? 

MIMI 

I was a chorus girl, but I had bad luck. 

ELSA 

I am so sorry for you. 

MIMI 

[Silence. 
I know all about you and Herr Karl. 
[Rises, goes C. 

ELSA 

From whom ? 

MIMI 

I know everything that goes on in this house. I told 
you I was his model — I sew on buttons and count 
the laundry. 

[Importantly. 

[148] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

Does the laundry- woman steal ? 

MIMI 

No. But she uses strong blueing — I know every- 
thing Herr Karl thinks of. 

[Pointing at elsa. 

elsa, as if she was getting interested 
And does that interest you ? 

MIMI 

Yes, indeed it does. But that's all over now 

ELSA 

Why so? 

MIMI 

Because he is going to get married 

ELSA 

But he will paint just the same — he will want models. 

MIMI 

Yes, but — 

[Ingeniously. 
you know, when one has sewn on buttons— and 
counted the laundry — then to be — just a plain 
model — that hurts. 

[Goes up C; elsa crosses. 
[149] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

And you like Herr Karl ? 

m i m i, repressing her feelings 
Yes — I — I like him — he's such a dear boy. 

ELSA 

Does he paint you now? 

M i M i, coming to head of couch; sadly 
No. He only paints landscapes and — bank presi- 
dents. 

ELSA 

Then you did not come to pose to-day? 

MIMI 

A model always comes to pose. It's tiring work, too, 
I can tell you — and if the artist wants to make love 
— it isn't her fault — and — 

[Sighs. 
Oh, it's such a rest. 

ELSA 

Oh, please. 

[Draws herself up stiffly, offended. 

MIMI 

Now I've offended you — I ought to have known 
better — my people are all refined — I wasn't born 
a model. 

[150] 



THE DEVIL 

EISA 

I'm sorry I showed it — but — I — I'm nervous to-day. 

m i M i, brightening 
Oh, I know what it is — I used to suffer dreadfully 
from nervousness when I was in the chorus. 

ELSA 

Come over here, Mimi; I want to talk to you. 

M i M i, goes over and sits on the couch 
You can talk to me about everything, I'm not a bad 
sort, really I'm not. I've known all along about 
Herr Karl and — and you — he's such a kind man. 
I was crying when I went away yesterday, and he 
felt sorry for me and he came to see me on his way 
to the ball — in his evening clothes — but I didn't 
receive him. If it's over, it may as well be over. 

EESA 

Was he fond of you ? 

MIMI 

I loved him, but what's the use ? It's like the railway 
— the station is there and the train comes and then 
the train goes away, and the station cannot run 
after it; if the station is small, the train only stops 
a minute, and — 

[Sighs, 
one must wait until another train comes 
[151] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

You loved him and can speak like that ? 

MIMI 

Yes, I loved him, but it's all over now. I was foolish 
to come here again when I'd made up my mind I 
wouldn't, but now I'm sensible again; I'll go away 
and try to forget him, I hope he will be — hap — 
hap — happy! 

[Begins to cry, looks for handkerchief in muff, 
but can't find it. elsa takes handkerchief 
out of "weeping satchel" and gives it to her. 

ELSA 

Poor Mimi! Poor Mimi! 

mimi, wiping her eyes with handkerchief then re- 

turning it to elsa. 
I — hope — you will be — hap — happy — too! 

ELSA 

I— happy ? 

MIMI 

You are going to marry Karl — 

ELSA 

No — no — I'm not. 

MIMI 

But it's vou he's in love with — 
[152] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

No, Mimi; I'm not the one — it's some one else. 

MIMI 

You don't mean Mrs. Zanden — it can't be — why, 
she's your friend. 

ELSA 

She was. 

MIMI 

I don't believe it — it's not love — it's a madness — a — 

elsa, jumping at the idea 
An infatuation? 

MIMI 

Yes, that's it — he's not in love with her — he's not 
himself. 

ELSA 

You think so? 

MIMI 

Yesterday he acted as if he were under some 
strange — 
[Rises. 

[mimi looks nervously behind her on both 
sides, elsa follows her example. 
under some strange — 

[153] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

Influence ? 

MIMI 

Yes. 

[The two girls look at each other in silence — • 
for what seems like a minute. 

ELSA 

Mimi, who is that man? 

mimi, looks behind her again nervously 
I don't know — I hate him. 

elsa, after looking behind her 
So do I. 

[They grasp each other's hands across the table. 
[A pause. 

mimi, holding els a's hand 
I'm glad I came, I feel better already for having seen 
you. I'm going to be sensible now. I'm going 
away — and I'm never coming back! 

[In altered voice. 
What time is it ? 

ELSA 

It's almost three o'clock. 

mimi 
Three o'clock! Then I must hurry. I have an ap- 
pointment at half past — he's an illustrator — such 
a talented boy; he's just had a picture accepted by 
the Fleigende Blatter. 

[ 154 ] 



THE DEVIL 

ELSA 

And you are posing for him ? 

MIMI 

Oh, yes; but tonight he goes to the artists' dinner, 
and I have to find his dress studs, and iron a tie 
for him, and trim his cuffs. 

[Makes gesture of cutting with scissors outside 

the edge of her cuff. 
Good-bye. 

[Goes out quickly. 

ELSA 

[Looks after mimi, then around the room, 
suddenly begins to sob, and calls in frightened 
voice: 
Mimi! Mimi! 

[Runs off. 

[devil enters just as e l s a leaves. 

[devil rings bell on table. 

heinrich, entering 
Did you ring, sir? 

devil 
Where is my tea ? Have you any rum in the house ? 

heinrich 
Yes, sir. 

[155] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

I'll have some with my tea. Is your master getting 
up? 

HEINRICH 

Yes, sir. 

DEVIL 

Has anyone called to see him this morning? 

HEINRICH 

Mrs. Zanden's maid has been here three times. 

DEVIL 

What did she want ? 

HEINRICH 

She inquired whether Mrs. Zanden could see my 
master. I told her I had strict orders not to call 
him before three. 

DEVIL 

Hurry with the tea. 

[Door bell rings. 
I'll have it in here. 

[devil goes into studio. 

[heinrich goes out to hall, door slams, 

o l g a speaking outside. 

OLGA 

Is your master at home? 

[ 156] 



THE DEVIL 

HEINRICH 

Yes, Madame. 

o l g a, entering 

My maid told me I could not see him until three — 
it is three o'clock now. 

HEINRICH 

I am very sorry, Madame, but you will have to wait 
a few minutes longer. I will tell him that you are 
here. 

OLGA 

Thank you. 

[heinrich crosses to studio door. 
Wait! Has anyone called to see your master this 
morning ? 

HEINRICH 

No, Madame. 

OLGA 

Didn't anyone leave a letter for him ? 

HEINRICH 

No, Madame. 

olga, aside 

Thank God! Please tell him I'm here. 
[157] 



THE DEVIL 

HEINRICH 

I'm afraid, Madame, you will have to wait a moment; 
but I will tell the doctor 

o L G A, quickly 
What doctor ? 

HEINRICH 

The gentleman who was here with you yesterday. 

olga, aside 
Dr. Miller? He — is — in — there? 

HEINRICH 

Yes, Madame. 

olg a, aside 
Then I'm too late. 

[To heinrich, reluctantly 
Did you see Dr. Miller give a letter to your master ? 
A piece of paper? 

HEINRICH 

Possibly, Madame, but I don't remember. 

OLGA 

Tell Dr. Miller to come at once. §ay a lady wishes 
to speak to him, but don't give him my name. 
[heinrich goes out. 
[olga walks up and down terribly agitated. 
[devil enters. 

[158] 



THE DEVIL 

DEVIL 

Are you the lady who wishes to see me at once ? 

OLGA 

Oh, tell me — did you — have you . . . ? 

devil, nods 
Yes — delivered. 

[o l g as inks into chair, clasping her hands 

tightly. 

[Enter heinrich, busy with tea things. 

Put it here. Thank you. 

OLGA 

[Without looking at the d e v i l. 
Did he read it? 

DEVIL 

Yes. 

[Is busy with his tea. 
[Silence. 

OLGA 

My God! 

DEVIL 

[Now standing behind olga, tea cup in his 
hand. 
After he read it, he buried his face in the pillow and 
cried. 

[159] 



\ 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

He cried ? 

DEVIL 

I hate men who cry 

OLGA 

I did not want him to have that letter. I wanted to 
speak to him first. I wanted to ask him to give me 
my letter back unopened I am too late. 

DEVIL 

You were not too late. It's I that was too early. 

OLGA 

He cried ? 

DEVIL 

From joy. 

OLGA 

I haven't the courage to speak to him, and yet I feel 
that I must. I would like to go away, but some- 
thing holds me; something I cannot — I cannot — 
oh, what will become of me ? 

heinrich, at door 
My master will be here in a moment, sir. 
[heinrich goes out. 

DEVIL 

I must be going. 

[160] 



THE DEVIL 



OLGA 

Don't go! Please stay. I don't want to be alone 
with him. 

DEVIL 

But if I am here you cannot speak to him about the 
letter. I shall only be in the way. 

olga, very weak 
Very well, then, I shall speak to him quite frankly. 
I shall ask him for the last time — 

karl, voice from the studio 
Heinrich ! 

devil, quick 
There he is. 

olga, very weak 
Please stay. 

devil, pointing to the small door at L. 
I shall be here. If you need me, call. 
[devil goes out. 
[karl comes in from the studio. 

karl, kisses olga's hand passionately 
Olga! I ought to go on my knees and beg your 
pardon for what I did last night. 
[161] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

Speak low — Dr. Miller is in there. 

KARL 

Olga — can you ever 

OLGA 

No, no ; it is I who should ask forgiveness I was to 
blame. I lost control of myself. After what 
happened, I wanted to know — I wanted to make 
sure — but, you understand now, my letter has told 
you everything. 

KARL 

What letter? 

olga, reproachfully 

Karl, I understand. You want to spare me — you're 
being discreet; but you don't know me; I mean 
every word of that letter, I'm glad I wrote it ■ 

KARL 

But I didn't get any letter. 

OLGA 

Didn't Doctor Miller give you a letter ? 

KARL 

No, no; really 

[162] 



if 

Br »' 


,. 1 JpHi g&i 



O/^tf tfW A^?r/ 



THE DEVIL 



O L G A 



[Angry and almost crying, crossing to door. 
Doctor Miller. 

[de v i l enters. 
My — my letter. 



DEVIL 

Ah, pardon me, Madame, a thousand pardons, I 
quite forgot. The only excuse I can offer is that 
there are some letters which ought never to be de- 
livered. 

[ Takes letter out of his pocket 



O LG A 

[Takes a step towards karl, looks at d e v i l 

over her shoulder, shivers slightly. 
Who is that man? 

[Silence, karl looks at d e v i l, o l g a is 

terrified. 

[devil crosses, gives the letter to karl 

with a smile. 

[o L G a, quickly, to karl. 
Tear that letter up. 

[karl tears up letter. 
Put it in the fire. 

[karl crumples up the pieces and throws 

them in the fire. As he does so, o l g a makes 

an involuntary movement with her hand as if 
[163] 



THE DEVIL 

to stop him, but he does not see it as his back 
is turned. The devil sees it, however, 
and smiles 

DEVIL 

I sincerely regret if my forgetfulness has caused any 
inconvenience 

KARL,fl! alcove, pointing to door R 
[Offensively. 
Pray don't let me detain you — 

DEVIL 

My train doesn't leave for an hour. Once more a 

thousand pardons. 

[Crossing to C, turning to both. 
If I could have foreseen what terrible distress the 

non-delivery of this letter 

karl, firmly 
You may be quite sure it contained nothing— er — 
nothing — 

[At a loss for a word. 

devil, looking at o l g a 
Nothing. 

karl, at large chair 
You will miss your train. 

[164] 



THE DEVIL 

devil, to olga, bowing 
Madame — 

[To karl, offering hand. 

[k a r l turns his back. 
Good-bye, a thousand pardons. 

[Exit devils door to hall. 

OLGA 

I would have given anything in the world if you had 
not burned that letter. 

KARL 

Why — you told — me — 

[olga shrugs her shoulders as if to say, 
"What can one expect of a man?" 

What does it matter anyway, whatever it is ? I would 
rather hear it from your lips 

olga, firmly 
No! The letter is burned; it is nothing but ashes — 
it is dead — no human power can bring it back to 
life. 

KARL 

But, Olga! 

OLGA 

A moment ago I would have given all I possessed to 
save it from the fire — and now^ — 

KARL 

What has happened ? 

[165] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

I can't tell you. I only know I am glad — I'm glad, 
[o l g a here seems to have suddenly become 
composed, almost happy, as if something had 
been settled, though not as she had wished, still 
it is a relief. 

karl, takes her hand 
Olga, do you mean you will never — 

olga, smiling 
I mean you will never know what was in that letter — 
it is as if it had never been written — it has ceased 
to exist, and we are past the day of miracles. 

karl, impatiently 
Miracles ? 

OLGA 

No, no! Only the devil himself would re-create that 
letler from its burnt ashes. Good-bye, Karl. I'm 
going now — I shan't see you again. 
[Shakes hands naturally. 
[At word "Devil," the devil enters silently 
from hall door. He has his fur coat on. He 
smiles wickedly, and at olga's words "re- 
create that letter," pulls olga's letter out 
of his pocket, and stands so that the chair 
hides him from karl and olga, who are 
close to studio door. 

KARL 

Olga, you are afraid of something. What is it ? 
[166] 



THE DEVIL 

OLGA 

I'm afraid of — myself — good-bye! 

KARL 

Good-bye, Olga. 

[They turn and see the devil. 

[To devil, angrily. 
I thought you'd gone! 

[G03S abruptly into the studio, olga stands 

as if hypnotized. 

DEVIL, to OLGA 

I beg your pardon, I am so upset to-day — 
[Holding out letter. 

I made a mistake — I gave you my tailor's bill instead 
of your letter — here is your letter! 

[devil gives the letter to olga, who 
snatches it from him in a frightened manner 
and tears it open. She recognizes her letter. 

OLGA 

Karl! my letter! I have my letter — 
[She runs into the studio. 
[The devil goes to the door of the studio, 
smiles diabolically, listens a minute at the door 
and rubs his hands as if he was very pleased 
with himself. 



DEVIL 



Voila! 



CURTAIN. 

[167] 



